Jack Wilshere could be back by Christmas after his surgery was successful to end a long injury lay-off

Wenger admits Sanchez may have needed a longer summer break after his summer exertions with his country

Former Barcelona star has struggled to replicate heights of last season after playing in the Copa America with Chile


Arsene Wenger has admitted he played Alexis Sanchez before he was match fit, but has backed his star man to shake off his early season cobwebs.

The Chilean returned late to pre-season following his exertions in the Copa America.

Sanchez's performances this season are yet to hit the heights of his sensational first campaign in England.

The Chile international has been unable to inspire Arsenal since his summer break that followed winning the Copa America with Chile

Arsene Wenger says he is not concerned by Alexis Sanchez's form despite his star man's slow start to the new Premier League season

As Arsenal trained in front of the cameras at their London Colney base on Friday, Mesut Ozil bowed down to team-mate Mathieu Flamini

Flamini scored twice in the Gunners' 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek to earn the German midfielder's praise

Arsenal seemed in good spirits, with Joel Campbell sharing a laugh with team-mates Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta

And the Arsenal manager, who says midfielder Jack Wilshere should be available by Christmas following surgery, acknowledges he fielded his South American star before he should have.

'I played him early, before he was fit physically,' Wenger said.

'Time tells us it takes time to settle and come back to your best after winning a trophy. I'm not worried about Alexis and I'm confident he will score.'

The French coach also offered an update on midfielder Wilshere after he underwent surgery on the hairline fracture of his left leg.

The 23-year-old broke a fibula in August and has repeatedly seen his return date pushed back, but Wenger was able to present better news in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

'Wilshere has had his operation,' the Gunners boss said. 'It went well. He will be back in December, around Christmas.'

See the latest Alexis Sanchez news, videos and pictures

Ozil struts his stuff on the field at London Colney while Cazorla, Theo Walcott and Gabriel Monreal watch on from behind him

Cazorla and Gabriel, who could be available after seeing his initial suspension for a red card against Chelsea cancelled, stretch together

Wenger is preparing his Arsenal side to face Barclays Premier League surprise package Leicester City after their recent run of good form