Arsene Wenger has spoken to the press in Singapore to discuss how the absence of Alexis Sanchez during the pre-season tour will allow Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the chance to shine, even though they aren’t in direct competition for places.
“He is not directly always in competition with Alexis because he plays more on the right side than the left, but it is a good opportunity for him because he is not injured. Pre-season will be very important for him”.
The Ox was out of action for most of the second half of last season following a hamstring injury in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup, only returning as a substitute in the final, where he bagged himself a late assist. Wenger insists however, that the England international is still a firm regular in the squad despite his injury.
“Alex played the first 20 games last season and was after that injured, so he is of course one of the regular players in our team”.
During the pre-season tour, Arsenal will be taking part in the Barclays Asia Cup alongside Stoke and Everton as well as the hosts, Singapore XI. This should provide Chamberlain with plenty of game time to demonstrate to Wenger how his game has improved.
Alexis Sanchez has been left out of the squad following his efforts in the Copa America so that he may rest. Wenger confirmed that Alexis will be unavailable for the first game of the season as well, to allow him time to fully recover following the tournament.
“He will be back on August 3 and it usually takes three weeks to be competitive… He will miss certainly the first game of the season but with Alexis, it takes a little bit less”.
Arsene Wenger was also highly complementary of Alexis’ performances during the Copa America, describing him as: “The one who was dangerous, he was the one who was always provoking opponents, and he was the one who had the guts to take the final penalty to win the cup”. He went on to describe Chile’s victory in the tournament as a massive achievement, and that Alexis had a huge influence on the national side. “He contributed to his country’s achievement and it’s something special that they’ve done. He was a big part of it.”
As a result of Alexis’ absence, Wenger believes that now is the time for Oxlade-Chamberlain to shine and show just exactly what he can bring to the team.
