Alexis Sanchez injury: Arsene Wenger decides more rest needed for Arsenal winger who is 'not ready'

Chilean was meant to make his return against Sunderland on Saturday

Alexis Sanchez has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lamented "bad news" as Alexis Sanchez's comeback to the first-team was delayed by a week.

Wenger had targeted the FA Cup clash with Sunderland on Saturday as the likely return for winger Sanchez, who has been out with a hamstring injury and last played at the end of November against Norwich City.

The Gunners boss has decided not to risk the Chilean, 27, as his side face crucial mactches away at Liverpool then Stoke City next week.

"The bad news of the week is that Alexis is not quite ready," said Wenger. "It is a precaution because of his hamstring, and it takes a few more days. He’s not bad but he’s not ready.

"The thinking is to give absolutely everything to qualify. We are the holders of the Cup and I know as well by experience that it is very important that you get in the competition and that you have a successful third round. It’s a tricky one, always, the third round."

There is better news on the club captain Mikel Arteta’s recovery from a calf injury while Wenger also offered an update on the midfielders Tomas Rosicky, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin – all of whom are sidelined with knee issues.

"Tomas Rosicky is not far, he’s back in full training next week, so should be available soon. Mikel is available," he added.

"Nothing has changed [from the original timescale] with Santi. It could be a bit shorter with him because he’s often quicker [at recovering] than you expect him to be. Cazorla and Coquelin are doing well."

Additional reporting from PA