Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is hopeful of attacking pair Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez being fit enough to feature in his side’s crucial clash against Chelsea next weekend.

Alexis is yet to feature for the Gunners this year and was due to return as they carried out a hard-contested 0-0 draw against Stoke, however, Wenger took it upon himself to rest the Chilean forward as a precautionary exclusion.

The return of the 27-year-old will be a massive boost to Arsenal’s title challenge as although they currently lead the race to secure their first league win since 2004, the influence of Alexis is not to be underestimated.

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Another player who missed out in Arsenal’s draw to Stoke was the impressive Mesut Ozil through a minor foot injury, it was revealed this afternoon.

Ozil has assisted 16 of Arsenal’s goals this season; an incredible feat for the amount of games played this season, and it was clear that the German midfielder was missed at the Britannia.

Wenger confirmed in his post-match news conference that, via the London Evening Standard, that he should return.

He had an inflammation in his foot and he was not very well yesterday morning.

He was already not 100 per cent at Liverpool so I decided to leave him out. I think he should be back next Sunday.

The potential return of both Alexis and Ozil ahead of the Chelsea game will be a big boost to Arsenal as they look to put some distance between them and second-placed Leicester.