Arsenal's players have stepped up their preparations for the Premier League opener in Leicester.

The Gunners kick off the 2017/18 campaign when they welcome Leicester to the Emirates on Friday night.

Arsene Wenger put his side through their paces on Thursday, although there was one notable absentee.

Alexis Sanchez will miss the clash with injury and while his teammates were on the training pitch, he was wining and dining.

The Chilean showed off his impressive lunch on Instagram but Arsenal fans needn't worry given the healthy-looking meal.

Alexis Sanchez shows off his lunch (
Image:
© instagram/@alexis_officia1)
Alexis Sanchez shows off his lunch (
Image:
© instagram/@alexis_officia1)

Alexandre Lacazette is expected to make his debut against Leicester, while fellow new boy Sead Kolasinac should also start.

“We have plenty of uncertainties about players who didn’t play against Chelsea in the Community Shield - Ramsey, Ozil, Mertesacker," Wenger said.

"I have players coming back who have not played, like Mustafi.

Arsene Wenger with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
Arsenal's players are put through their paces (
Image:
Stuart MacFarlane)
Walcott and Mertesacker (
Image:
Stuart MacFarlane)

“Sanchez will not be available. He has a little abdominal strain that he caught on Sunday morning in training, before he came to Wembley. He had a scan two days ago and he's out for a while.

"I don't know if it is two weeks or one more week, but he will not be available. I think he will not play at Stoke, yes.

“He is focused. When you have treatment on the medical bench it’s not easy.”

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