• Premier League

Sanchez the new Wright, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez's hard-working approach to the game reminds him of Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

Sanchez could be set to return from a hamstring injury for Arsenal against Leicester on Tuesday, having missed the 2-1 north London derby defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.

The Chilean has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Premier League, following his £35 million summer move from Barcelona.

Alexis Sanchez has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season © Getty Images

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Asked if he reminded Wenger of any former players, the Arsenal manager said: "He is a bit like Ian Wright. His enthusiasm, the enthusiasm of Ian Wright.

"He is dynamic and he does both parts of the game. He's important in the team because of that.

"Sanchez wins you the ball back quickly as well. The transitions are very good from defence to attack and attack to defence."

However, Wenger admitted there are a couple of key differences between Sanchez and Wright, who scored 185 goals in total for Arsenal.

"He is quieter than Ian Wright, but that is not difficult. And he doesn't get booked," Wenger quipped. "He is more with the Spanish players, of course, but he is loved by everybody. He is very friendly and bubbly every day."

Sanchez could have featured against Spurs, but Wenger insisted it was important to take a cautious approach with his star player.

"He had a bit of a winter break that he didn't really want," said Wenger. "But he got one and I think he will now be recovered and fit until the end of the season.

"It was difficult for him not to play [against Tottenham]. If it was the last game of the season, he would've played.

"For us, it is important that he has no setback as once you go into February, if you have a muscular injury and a guy has a setback, you say 'bye bye' as the season is over as it is six weeks out.

"By the time you come back to your full level it's April and that is why we didn't take the gamble."

Wenger also revealed he hopes to have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been suffering from a groin injury, back in two weeks.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd