What does Sanchez’s summer mean for Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger today announced that Alexis Sanchez would not return to Arsenal training until August 3rd, a week later than the date previously assumed and reported. The news won’t come as a surprise given Sanchez’s involvement in his country Chile’s Copa America success, but it will mean some readjustment for Arsenal.

A minimum three weeks is required for a player to rest, and Wenger is known to be especially lenient with his international stars.

Alexis was already expected to miss the start of the season if in fact Chile made it to the latter stages of the competition. The host nation did just that, and as a result Arsenal will be without their star man for the opening weeks. He will of course be a big miss, but for Wenger it means an opportunity to trial a few different options on the wing.

For the likes of Walcott, Welbeck, Chamberlain, and even Campbell and Silva, a spot on the wing will be wide open even if only temporarily, and good showings could put them in good standings with the boss. For Arsenal, it doesn’t change much as far as ambition goes. The goal still has to be to start strong and get the ball rolling right from the get go.

We have more than enough cover for Alexis, and whoever steps in must provide the goods. My guess is it will be Welbeck (assuming he finally shakes off his groin issue) and Walcott on the wings, and in the England duo we get much pace and dynamism. They lack Alexis’ cutting edge in front of goal but offer movement and combination play.

Cazorla could also return to the wing to fill the gap if need be, as could Ramsey or Chamberlain. It is time Arsenal proves we are no one man team.