Will ill Sanchez train this weekend?

LONDON: In-demand Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez claims to be struggling with illness, casting doubt over his return to first team action with the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger had claimed on Thursday that the Chile international, whose future at the Emirates remains uncertain, would be back training with his teammates tomorrow.

But Sanchez has fuelled speculation that he could be out for more time, yet, by claiming he is currently ill.

The forward, who is pictured wearing a scarf while indoors, uploaded a photograph on Instagram alongside his dog. He also took a selfie while looking fed up and the caption of both photos read: “Sick”.

Sanchez has only a year left on his current deal with Arsenal and has been linked with a move away from the Emirates for several months.

Manchester City, Paris SaintGermain and Juventus are among the clubs interested in the forward, who Sportsmail understands is ready to quit the Gunners this summer.

Following an extended break in the wake of his exploits at the Confederations Cup with Chile, Sanchez is expected back at London Colney this weekend ahead of their Emirates Cup clash with Sevilla.

“Alexis and (defender Shkodran) Mustafi, their first training session will be on Sunday (tomorrow), the day we play against Sevilla,” Wenger said.

“They are practising on the day, yes. First of all you make a really good check up of where they are, how much they have worked during their break.”

Arsenal take on Benfica today before facing Sevilla. A week later they play Chelsea in the Community Shield before getting their Premier League campaign underway against Leicester on Aug 11.

This is not the first time the defender has sought sympathy for an injury and illness over social media.

The 28-year-old attracted scorn last season after posting a photo of his cut lip following Arsenal’s victory over the Foxes at the Emirates. Daily Mail