Arsène Wenger has confirmed Alexis Sánchez will not be risked in Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round tie with Sunderland on Saturday.
The 27-year-old missed the entire festive fixture list having suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Norwich in November.
Sánchez was expected to make his comeback for the win over title rivals Manchester City before Christmas but suffered a setback in his recovery.
In his absence, Arsenal have opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League and begin their defence of the FA Cup against Sunderland.
Wenger is not ready to rush Sánchez back into his side with crucial league fixtures to come at Liverpool and Stoke next week.
“The bad news of the week is that Alexis is not quite ready,” said Wenger. “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 thinking is to give absolutely everything to qualify. We are the holders of the Cup and I know as well by experience that it is very important that you get in the competition and that you have a successful third round. It’s a tricky one, always, the third round.”
There is better news on the club captain Mikel Arteta’s recovery from a calf injury while Wenger also offered an update on the midfielders Tomas Rosicky, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin – all of whom are sidelined with knee issues.
“Tomas Rosicky is not far, he’s back in full training next week, so should be available soon. Mikel is available,” he added.
“Nothing has changed [from the original timescale] with Santi. It could be a bit shorter with him because he’s often quicker [at recovering] than you expect him to be. Cazorla and Coquelin are doing well.”