Arsenal vs Manchester United: Alexis Sanchez brushes off hamstring injury, ready for Red Devils clash

Arsenal have been handed a late injury boost after Alexis Sanchez brushed off a minor hamstring problem and trained with the first-team ahead of their game against Manchester United on Saturday (2 December).

The Chilean, who is slowly returning to his best after a slow start to the campaign, was replaced after 73 minutes during the Gunners' 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town and Arsene Wenger later revealed that there was a slight concern with regards to the forward's hamstring.

The manager will be delighted to have one of his key players back for the clash against Jose Mourinho's team especially since they will be without top marksman Alexandre Lacazette. The striker is facing a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, also suffered in the game against the Terriers.

Arsenal can get to within one point of the Red Devils with a win at the Emirates Stadium and Sanchez's availability is certain to boost their chances of getting all three points. Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud are in contention to take Lacazette's place, but Wenger could also use the Chile international in the number nine role.

The 28-year-old struggled for goals at the start of the campaign but is returning to his best now, having scored four goals in his last six Premier League games, with three of them having come in his last three outings against Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Huddersfield. Sanchez has dispelled any doubts about his commitment to the team despite being in the final seven months of his contract and continually being linked with a move away in January.

The Chilean was not the only boost for Wenger ahead of the game against United as Theo Walcott also returned to full training after having missed the last four games due to illness. The England international trained at the start of the week but was not in the squad for the game against David Wagner's side on Wednesday (29 November), but could return to take his place on the bench for the visit of the 20-time English champions.