Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirms Alexis Sanchez is available to face Liverpool at Anfield

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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez will return to the Arsenal squad to face Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

Sanchez has missed the opening two games of the season as he builds up his fitness since picking up a muscle injury on his return from his summer holidays following the Confederations Cup. 

But having been without their 28-year-old talisman for the opening fortnight of the new campaign, Wenger has revealed that Sanchez will travel with the squad to Merseyside.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will be able to pick Alexis Sanchez at Liverpool on Sunday

Sanchez has recovered from a muscle injury and will be part of the Arsenal squad this weekend

The Frenchman said at his pre-match press conference: 'The early team news is that [Laurent] Koscielny is back for selection [following suspension] and Sanchez has worked very hard to be back again and he is available as well. 

'He is working hard, is focused and is giving everything. It's always difficult to stop him. He looks ready, he's not played for a long time. I have to decide what to do with him, but he's ready to play.

'We have to make that decision [on whether to start Sanchez].  It's Thursday today, the match is on Sunday. He's worked very hard and he looks in good shape.'

While Sanchez's return will undoubtedly boost the North London club, the subject of his future was again raised with the Chilean's contract expiring at the end of the season.

Wenger will make a call on whether to throw Sanchez in from the start against Liverpool

The 28-year-old has been working hard to reach full fitness after returning late to pre-season

But Wenger has played down the current predicament, reiterating his desire for the former Barcelona forward to remain a focal point of his side, and he believes the ongoing uncertainty is not a distraction.

'I want Alexis to stay at the club and be one of the big players of this future. We want to build the team around him. 

'Personally, I want him to commit to the club and for him to be one of the carriers of our team.

'He's not too disturbed by the noises. Players of his level are used to it now. I'm sure he's not too bothered by that. He's always focused, very happy. 

'Just because he goes into the last year of his contract doesn't mean we don't have the chance to extend it. 

'We don't like to look at the individual contracts of everybody. I know every bid we have, of course, but I think the best for us is to focus on Sunday's game.' 

Wenger has not ruled out doing more business in the final week of the transfer window

But the Frenchman admitted that a deal for Monaco star Thomas Lemar is 'dead'

Arsenal head to Merseyside having not won at Anfield since a 2-0 victory in September 2012, and Wenger still made a rueful remark at having dropped points at Stoke last weekend despite '77 per cent possession and a huge number of chances'.

The 67-year-old conceded defeat in his pursuit of Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar, but when asked if he expects there to be any further business with a week remaining of the transfer window, he added: 'Both will happen, can happen. It depends how many players will go. 

'We are on alert in the last few days. Phones ring a bit more often. Sometimes you have to share the work in the last few days. The last two days are always hectic.

'I'm happy with the strength of the squad, but I've said before we have too many players who have no chance to compete for places, and it is important to give young players the chance who deserve it. 

'If you have too many players already in a confirmed status, they have no chance to play.'