Alexis Sanchez, Hector Bellerin Boosts Delivered in Arsenal Fitness Update

Arsenal have been handed a significant fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s critical trip to Crystal Palace, with manager Arsene Wenger revealing that Alexis Sanchez is ready to feature in the contest.  

The Chilean international was only on the bench last week for Arsenal’s Week 1 defeat at home to West Ham United and was introduced as a late substitute. But as noted by the club’s official website on Thursday, Wenger hinted he may start this time around: “Alexis Sanchez is fit, he’s been working hard and is ready for the weekend.”

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Wenger also had positive news on Hector Bellerin, confirming he would also be available for the Selhurst Park contest after he missed out against the Hammers. But the Frenchman had less positive news on three other players.

Jack Wilshere, Wenger revealed, is out for a further four weeks. In addition, the Gunners chief confirmed Danny Welbeck is still not ready to feature, while veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky needs surgery and will be out for longer than a couple of months.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe took a look at how Arsenal are likely to fare against Palace:

With the treatment room still pretty full at the Emirates, Wenger will be frustrated. But there’s no denying that all associated with the Gunners will be delighted to have Sanchez back in the side.

IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

As noted by WhoScored.com, he bagged 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League for Arsenal last season. But it’s his sharp movement off of the ball, his unrelenting energy and his infectious defensive work rate which make this Gunners team an entirely different proposition; they were traits which were in worryingly short supply against West Ham, too.

Bellerin is another player who will add something refreshing to the Arsenal team. The young Spaniard blossomed in 2015, with his scintillating vertical surges giving the Gunners an additional attacking dimension. But it’ll be intriguing to see whether Wenger throws him straight back in at what is always a very tough venue.