Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that Alexis Sanchez could play a part in their Premier League opener with West Ham United on Sunday.
Sanchez was given an extended pre-season break after helping Chile to a historic first Copa America title back in June.
Consequently, he was expected to miss the Gunners' early-season commitments, but Wenger says that he has returned in "surprisingly good shape" and refuses to rule out an appearance this weekend.
"He came back in surprisingly good shape. I will see [when he is ready to play]," he told the club's official website.
"It is about my decision. Will he not be involved at all on Sunday? I don't know yet. It depends a little bit on what I see [in training on Saturday] and who will be available.
"Alexis understands perfectly well. He is one of the players who played the World Cup [in 2014], came back here and played the whole season without a break, goes to the Copa America and basically cannot start the season."
Sanchez, Arsenal's Player of the Year for 2014-15, was signed for £35m from Barcelona last summer.
Shane Callaghan
