Alexis Sanchez set to miss Liverpool clash but Arsenal forward is nearing return to full fitness following hamstring injury

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Alexis Sanchez is a major doubt for next week's crunch Premier League clash against Liverpool.

The Chilean is approaching fitness after a hamstring injury and Arsene Wenger had hoped to have the forward back for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Sunderland.

But Sanchez will miss the visit of the Black Cats and Wenger has revealed the South American will also miss Wednesday's encounter at Anfield.

Alexis Sanchez will miss Arsenal's FA Cup clash with Sunderland but is closing in on a return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right) admits that Alexis Sanchez is likely to miss the Liverpool game too

'Sanchez is not far away. Liverpool may come too soon. Maybe for Stoke.' 

'It is a precaution because of his hamstring, and it takes a few more days. He's not bad but he's not ready. 

The Gunners boss is hopeful Sanchez, who has not featured since the 1-1 Premier League draw against Norwich on November 29, will be available for the trip to Stoke a week on Sunday. 

On a better note for the Gunners, Wenger is set to welcome Mikel Arteta back into the squad for Saturday's clash, while Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck are nearing a return.

Mikel Arteta (near), pictured during training at London Colney on Friday, is set to return for the Gunners

Chile international Sanchez looks likely to miss Wednesday's Premier League trip to Liverpool 

'Arteta is available and will be selected because he played 45 minutes on Tuesday with the Under 21s. He has been in and out since the start of the season.

'I hope he gets a consistent presence in the squad to perform again. We go into a run of games where we need everyone available.

'Tomas Rosicky is not far away and Danny Welbeck will be three or four weeks so hopefully we will get our players back.'

Wenger expects the former Barcelona forward to be ready to return against Stoke a week on Sunday

Arsenal begin their defence of the FA Cup at the Emirates against Sunderland and Wenger is keen to win the competition for the third time in a row.

'For us it's a very important competition, as always. You can't separate one competition from another.

'We want to win every competition we participate in. This one matters to us.'