Arsenal injury update: Arsene Wenger hopeful Alexis Sanchez is close to being back to 100%

Arsene Wenger has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Arsenal's clash with Liverpool on Monday 24 August, and is hopeful Alexis Sanchez is approaching full fitness after his extended summer lay-off. Arsenal have been without Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky in their opening two games of the season, with the trio all making progress in their respective returns from injury.

Sanchez, who helped Chile to Copa America success this summer, was left on the bench for the opening day loss against West Ham United but returned to the starting XI in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

And Wenger is confident his star player will be back to a level approaching his best in time for Monday's showdown at the Emirates, telling a press conference: "I think on Monday night he will be far from 100%. It is surprising because when he doesn't have the fitness he has the mental resources," the Mirror report.

While Welbeck's injury, which has kept him out action since April, means he is still at least two weeks away from a return, Wenger has been optimistic over Wilshere's return after the 23 year old sustained a hairline fracture in his right fibula following a collision in training at the beginning of the month. Wilshere's progress has prompted talk he could return in time for England's European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland in early September, but Wenger insists his midfielder will not return to action until after the upcoming international break.

"We believe that is too optimistic to think that he will be available for England. After the international break he has a chance but beforehand no chance."

Wenger also took the opportunity to dismiss suggestions that Mesut Ozil could leave the club this summer, following reports linking the Germany international with moves to Juventus and Besiktas.

"I feel Mesut is now completely committed to the club," the Gunners boss said of the club's record signing. "In the first year he maybe didn't know after he had left Real Madrid.He is a wonderful player who is completely committed to the club and focused on getting some good results."