Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez cut a dejected figure as he walked through Heathrow airport after his side's crushing 5-1 Champions League defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Chilean international, passport in hand and dressed all in black, looked tired as he walked through the terminal, reportedly to board a flight to Venice, with the clubs permission.

The player is expected to report to training on Friday morning after being granted a break following the nightmare in Munich.

Sanchez pulled Arsenal back into the tie on Wednesday evening as he converted the rebound from his own penalty miss to level at 1-1 at the Allianz Arena.

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez was at Heathrow airport on Thursday morning to catch a flight

The Arsenal striker looked dejected as he walked through the terminal after Wednesday's loss

WHERE THE GUNNERS COULD HAVE FLOWN... Sanchez travelled to Venice, and while Arsenal may be heading out of Europe, that doesn't mean their stars have to go without a little culture... Selected Heathrow Departures: 8.40am - Amsterdam 10.45am - Stockholm 10.50am - Zagreb 10.55am - Pisa One flight they may want to have avoided: the 8.45am to Munich... Advertisement

But Arsene Wenger's side capitulated in the second half following the loss of captain Laurent Koscielny as they conceded four without reply to effectively end the tie before the second leg at The Emirates.

Sanchez's frustration was clear on the pitch from early on in Munich, as he berated his fellow forwards for failing to close down the Bundesliga champions at the back quickly enough.

The South American could be seen throwing his hands around in frustration in the second half as the crisis deepened, hugging the left touchline and gesturing to where he felt the ball should have been played.

The actions of their star player will raise further questions as to whether Sanchez sees his future at the north London club.

The former Barcelona forward has less than 18 months left on his contract and with the player visibly frustrated yet again - as he was after last year's 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.

Sanchez is likely to miss the FA Cup fifth round clash with Sutton United as he takes a break

The Chile international's future at Arsenal is uncertain, with no sign of him signing a new deal

With no sign of a new deal being signed, it is increasingly likely that Sanchez may be seeking pastures new come the end of the season.

Arsenal's miserable night was compounded on Thursday morning with reports suggesting that Arsene Wenger's future would be considered by the board at the end of the season.

Sanchez is expected to be back training ahead of the FA Cup trip to Gander Green Lane, and the 28-year-old will be looking to return to form ahead of the vital trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on March 4 as Wenger's side look to keep their top four ambitions and faint title hopes alive.

Sanchez and his friend stop to change their currency as they prepare to take off