Wenger hints at discontent with Alexis Sanchez

Arsene Wenger has hinted he was unhappy at the condition Alexis Sanchez returned to the club in the summer.

The Chile striker was afforded a “long holiday” by Wenger, but the forward, who looked set to leave The Emirates this summer, returned “not very fit”, according to Wenger.

Sanchez was handed a start in the 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster last night and played the full 90 minutes. Asked if including Sanchez in a team which had 11 changes was a message to the forward, Wenger replied:  “No, not at all, that’s going into quick conclusions.

“Alexis Sanchez has been out and injured, I thought he was short on Sunday physically. I played him last night to give him more competition.”

Wenger insisted his intention is to get last season’s 30-goal top scorer back up to speed as quickly as possible.

“Look, there’s no disguised attitude on my side. I just try to get him back to full fitness,” added Wenger at today’s press call.

“The Europa League and League Cup is important, I try to give him competition and get him back to his best.

“I gave him a long holiday. He came back not very fit, then he got injured. The injury plus the rest was a bit long.

“I left him on the pitch for 90 minutes so he could have a real go. All the players are, he’s not more than any other (in my plans). Sanchez could have played (vs Chelsea) if he was 100 percent fit at the start.

“In one game I go with three strikers, the three that don’t play will play midweek, no matter the competition.”