Arsenal team news: Wenger suffers injury blow while star forward could make shock return

Arsenal take on Leicester City on Friday in their first game of the 2017-18 Premier League season.

Star forward Aleixs Sanchez could make a shock return to the squad despite not featuring in any of Arsenal’s pre-season games.

The Chile international has under 12-months remaining on his contract with Arsenal. However, the Gunners have so-far resisted all bids for their star man.

Ozil also has under 12-months left on his contract with the Gunners. The 28-year-old missed Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Chelsea due to an ankle injury.

Wenger has admitted that the Germany international is a major doubt for Friday’s clash with Leicester City.

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Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey – who also missed the Community Shield – is expected to make a return this week.

“Alexis [Sanchez] is short of competition,” Wenger told reporters at the post-match press conference.

“Mesut [Ozil] has a swollen ankled after taking a kick on his ankle. He has a little chance to play on Friday night.”

Arsenal suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool in last season’s Premier League opener and will be hoping for a better result this year.