Sunday 1 February 2015 11:45, UK
Alexis Sanchez's hamstring injury gives Arsene Wenger the opportunity to give invaluable minutes to Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott against Aston Villa...
"I am unlikely to risk him." Six words to fill Arsenal supporters with dread. After starting the Gunners' last 16 matches in the Premier League - and playing all but 20 minutes in that period - it looks as though Alexis Sanchez will be rested against Aston Villa as Arsene Wenger plans to avoid a setback in the forward's hamstring injury.
Initially, it would appear to pose a serious problem. Not only is Sanchez the club's top scorer with 18 strikes in all competitions, he has also provided the most assists, claiming nine so far. In the Premier League, Sanchez's 12 goals account for 31% of the Gunners' total, with none of his team-mates managing more than half that amount.
There is also a risk of underestimating Villa, whose paltry record of 11 goals belies their counter-attacking threat away from home. An inspired performance by new signing Carles Gil helped to secure a confidence-boosting win against Bournemouth in the FA Cup last week, and Wenger will be wary of a team boasting three victories from their last six league visits to the Emirates.
He will also be eager to focus on Arsenal's strengths, however, with Sanchez's injury perhaps coming at the most convenient time. Two months ago, the manager admitted his star player was in the "red zone" amid an exhausting schedule, but it was impossible to rest him with Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott in the treatment room. Now the duo have recovered, and Olivier Giroud is back up to speed, Wenger has been afforded a rare opportunity to rotate.
Ozil could be the main beneficiary. After returning as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Stoke at the start of January, the German told supporters it would take him until the end of the month to be "100%". With the second goal and an injury-free 80 minutes in the 3-2 win over Brighton, he has been true to his word.
Ozil starred in his preferred No. 10 role in the 3-0 win at Villa Park in September, grabbing a goal and an assist, but may struggle to dislodge the in-form Santi Cazorla from a central position. Instead, the playmaker is likely to pitch up on the left of the attacking trident behind Giroud, with Walcott in line for his Premier League start in over a year.
In this respect, Sanchez's absence could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Wenger. With bigger tests to come in the league and in Europe, giving invaluable minutes to Ozil and Walcott will be crucial. He will want both in good form by the time of Monaco's visit on February 25.
With a number of key players returning to full fitness, and Gabriel Paulista strengthening his defensive options, now is a key period for Wenger to figure out his strongest team. Sanchez should undoubtedly be the first name on the team sheet, but Sunday's clash is an opportunity for others to audition.
Watch Arsenal v Aston Villa live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday from 12.30pm
