Published: 20 August, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

CHILE attacker Alex Sanchez might not be fully fit, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is still expecting him to be a handful for rivals Liverpool on Monday night when the Reds visit the Emirates Stadium. 

Sanchez was one of the last players to report back for pre-season training having been given extended leave after helping Chile win the Copa America. 

But he certainly looked sharp at Selhurst Park on Sunday as he added some much-needed firepower to Arsenal’s attack, almost bullying Crystal Palace’s Damien Delaney to head the ball into his own net for what proved to be the winner. 

Wenger was full of praise for his diminutive “fighter”, who he warned will only get better as the season progresses. 

“He brings a drive forward. He brings the pressure on the opponent. He brings goal chances,” said the Gunners’ boss. “When the score was 1-1 against Palace on Sunday it is no coincidence that he found the header that led to the winning goal. 

“He showed more desire than fitness. 

“He is still a bit short fitness-wise, but he is a fighter. He has only had two weeks of training but still he had the mental resources to help us win. 

“We know it’s not a 100 per cent fit Sanchez, but a 100 per cent motivated Sanchez and that, at times, can be enough.” 

And Wenger has also revealed that before the start of the campaign he told playmaker Mesut Ozil that he’s expecting even more from him this season. The early signs look “magnificent”, according to Wenger.  

“It is a pleasure to watch the quality of his passing and the intelligence of his passing,” he added. 

“What I told you is that I want from him a few more goals this season. For the rest of the build-up in the game he is magnificent. 

“He works harder than people thinks he does. He is not spectacular in his defending but he wants to do the job, he wants to help the team. 

“What I liked in his game against Palace was he made many runs without the ball behind the defenders, which is a bit new as he likes to come with the ball. He mixed up his game better.” 

Arsenal could still add to their attacking options, with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema a rumoured target.