Alexis Sanchez fit for FA Cup final but Arsene Wenger coy on striker's Arsenal future as well as his own
Wenger is out of contract this summer while Sanchez could make his final appearance for Arsenal this weekend if the club sells him in the summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alexis Sanchez will be fit for Arsenal in their FA Cup final against Chelsea this weekend, but Arsene Wenger has confirmed that defender Gabriel Paulista has been ruled out for up to eight weeks after suffering medial ligament damage in the final match of the Premier League season.
Both Sanchez and Gabriel had to be replaced during Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Everton with injuries, but despite Arsenal securing the three points they needed if they wanted to have any chance of reaching the top four, it wasn’t to be as Liverpool secured fourth place and Champions League football next season.
Wenger also has a doubt over Shkodran Mustafi, who missed last weekend’s game against Everton with illness after suffering a concussion, and he does not yet know if Sanchez will be fit enough to start the game against Chelsea.
“He’s all right,” Wenger confirmed. “We’ll see if he’s fit to start the game. We’ll see how well he comes out.”
The Wembley clash could prove to be both Wenger’s and Sanchez’s final games with Arsenal. Wenger’s contract is up for renewal and although it’s expected that he will remain in charge for a 22nd consecutive season, an agreement is yet to be announced, while Sanchez has just one year remaining on his deal and the club will risk losing him on a free transfer next year if they refuse to sell him this summer.
Wenger once again refused to confirm if he can confirm his decision when asked, but he also insisted that both he and Sanchez will remain “professional” and give their all for the club in the hope of securing silverware, despite the uncertainty regarding their personal situations.
“If you have a surgery tomorrow and it’s his last day of work – you still want him to do good work and not half a job because it’s his last day,” Wenger said.
“That’s being professional. I have ended contracts before and always ended exactly the same.
“Alexis’ contract ends in 2018. [It’s a] different situation.
“Knowing his character and commitment to the club, which I don’t question at all, he will be good for Saturday.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments