Arsenal boss rules out Alexis Sanchez until well into New Year

Alexis Sanchez will not be back for Arsenal for another three weeks.

The Chilean attacker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of November, missing the Gunners' last four matches.

There was a chance Sanchez could get back for Monday night's clash with Manchester City but he did not make the match day squad and Arsene Wenger has now revealed he is not due back until well into the New Year.

"Alexis Sanchez will not be back until the 10th of January or so," said Wenger after the 2-1 win over City.

"He had a little set-back. He was planned to be on the bench tonight. We didn't take a gamble at all."

Sanchez is expected to miss the Boxing Day clash with Southampton, subsequent league fixtures against Bournemouth and Newcastle United and the FA Cup meeting with Sunderland.

The 27-year-old has scored nine goals in 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season.