Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez 'desperate' to start against Manchester United

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez is desperate to start for his side against Manchester United on 19 November. Premier League football returns after a two-week international break and Arsene Wenger takes his men to Old Trafford as the north London club take on the Red Devils.

The 27-year-old was included in Chile's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Uruguay. He missed the first clash against Colombia due to a low grade muscular injury, but returned to action against Uruguay, where his brace helped them seal a 3-1 win.

Wenger had urged Chile not to play Sanchez against Uruguay as he felt the decision to include him in the starting lineup was "suicidal." Despite that, the former Barcelona star played 84 minutes on 15 November.

According to the Mirror, the Gunners boss had concern over his star player's hamstring injury scare. However, Sanchez has declared himself fit after training with the squad on Friday for the big clash against Jose Mourinho's side.

He had only one training session after his 15-hour flight from Chile to England. Wenger admitted that he will have to consider if the forward will be included in the first XI in order to avoid any potential injuries.

"We didn't know whether or not he would play 24 hours before the Uruguay game. In the end they decided to play him," Wenger explained.

"He texted us saying he was in good shape after the game but we have to wait. I will see him tomorrow morning and see if he can be involved in the squad or not. What I will consider is basically the risk of injury."

Should Sanchez fail to start against the Old Trafford club, Wenger will then turn to his compatriot Olivier Giroud to lead Arsenal's attack against United. Hector Bellerin and Santi Cazorla will miss the weekend league tie due to injuries.