Arsenal Facing Crisis As Sanchez Joins List Of Stars Who Could Miss Liverpool Game

Arsenal are facing a selection crisis at the start of the season with Alexis Sanchez joining a growing list of star players who could miss the opening clash against Liverpool, according to the Mirror.

Sanchez suffered a nasty injury to his left ankle during the early stages of Chile’s Copa America final victory over Argentina last month but soldiered on until he was eventually forced off during extra-time.

The 27-year-old shared photos of the injury on social media with his ankle shown to be severely swollen and bruised leading to concerns the attacker had caused some lasting damage.

Arsenal have been monitoring his recovery and while the injury isn’t thought to be too serious, the Mirror claim that the Gunners still fear Sanchez could miss Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 14.

The Chilean super-star is due back at London Colney for pre-season training later this month when the injury will be further assessed but Arsene Wenger will be praying Sanchez is passed fit or he’ll be facing a selection headache during the opening games of the new season.

Olivier Giroud is almost certain to miss the Liverpool game as he’s not due back for pre-season training until August 8, less than a week before the new season kicks off, while Danny Welbeck will miss most of next season with a serious knee injury.

With Arsenal yet to bring in a new striker this summer, it leaves Wenger struggling to find someone to lead the line against Jurgen Klopp’s men when they arrive in north London next month, with out-of-favour Theo Walcott perhaps the only candidate available.

The Arsenal boss has further selection problems to worry about as Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil are also expected to miss the Liverpool game after being granted extended leave following their participation during the latter stages of Euro 2016.

Aaron Ramsey is another player who may not be 100% fit by the time the Merseysiders arrive at the Emirates as the Welsh midfielder won’t begin his pre-season preparations until the start of August, leaving him less than two weeks to get fit for the big kick off.