Arsenal news: Alexis Sanchez could return against Sunderland in FA Cup

Alexis Sanchez is in contention to make his comeback in Saturday’s FA Cup third round against Sunderland while Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta and longest serving player Tomas Rosicky are again training.

Saturday is likely to come too soon for both Arteta and Rosicky given their lengthy absence but Sanchez could play some part if Arsene Wenger deems it potentially beneficial ahead of the Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield a week on Wednesday.

Sanchez has been ruled out since suffering an injury at Norwich  Photo: REUTERS

Wenger is prioritising the Premier League this season

Wenger is prioritising the Premier League and, after four games in 12 days over Christmas and the New Year, will reduce the workload this week for key players, notably Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud. The club are also working to complete the signing of Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny for a fee that could reach just over £7 million.

Things are looking grim for Sam Allardyce on Wearside  Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Rosicky had knee cartilage surgery in August and still hopes to force his way back into the team ahead of the European Championships this summer while Arteta has not played since hurting his calf in the defeat against West Bromwich Albion. Francis Coquelin is also back running following knee ligament surgery and targeting a February comeback.