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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger unlikely to risk Alexis Sanchez

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger unlikely to risk Alexis Sanchez
JAN 30, 2015 LISTEN

Alexis Sanchez is set to sit out Arsenal's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday with a hamstring problem, but new signing Gabriel Paulista is in line to make his debut.

Chile international Sanchez played the last 20 minutes of his side's 3-2 FA Cup victory at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, but is now unlikely to feature at home to Villa.

However, manager Arsene Wenger could hand a first start to defender Gabriel, who arrived from Villarreal this week.

"I am unlikely to risk Alexis Sanchez," said Wenger at his pre-match news conference. "Gabriel is ready to play.

"I saw great quality [in Gabriel]. His level of concentration, he's quick, has great commitment and he's young - 24 years old.

"It's a good age for a central defender."
Wenger has welcomed the added competition for places and says reputation counts for nothing in his team selection.

"We are in a job where competition exists," he continued. "The best player of the moment plays."

Danny Welbeck is nearing a return from his thigh injury, although Sunday's match could come too soon, while Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain sidelined.

Wilsher is recovering quicker than expected from an ankle injury, with Wenger revealing the midfielder is a week ahead of schedule, but Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) is not expected to feature in Arsenal's next two matches.

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