Alexis Sanchez: Arsene Wenger reveals all on flu, transfer rumours and secret texts

Sanchez posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday and claimed to be sick.

Before the picture was posted on social media, Wenger revealed the Chile international, who is refusing to sign a new contract, would be back in training on Sunday.

But following Arsenal's 5-2 win over Benfica in the Emirates Cup, Wenger revealed Sanchez's return to pre-season had been delayed.

Wenger said: "He has flu, yes. I had him on text yesterday. 

"He will come back as soon as possible and we were in touch with him and his doctor and he has no basic problem apart from the fact that he should come back tomorrow, but he comes back on Tuesday."

With Sanchez yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain have been strongly linked with the 28-year-old.

But Wenger insists Sanchez's situation is not causing uncertainty, similar to his own contract affairs last season.

He said: "No, it’s not the same. It’s not the same I think, the players who have one year of contract have to respect their contract and play out their contract. 

"After for a manager is a bit different because it concerns more what is the future of the club. The players were thinking what’s going on and what’s happening, so it creates uncertainty because it’s a global policy. I am responsible for the global policy of the club but for the players it is different."

In a tetchy press conference dominated by questions about Sanchez, Wenger was reluctant to reveal whether his star player had told him if he wanted to stay or leave and give details about their text messages.

He added: "I cannot reveal to you what he says to me always, no.

"I don’t want to talk. I cannot reveal what is a secret conversation.

"He’s flying back as soon as he’s in a position to fly back. He has flu and that’s a question of normally four or five days."