Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez will play no part in the club's Premier League opener against Leicester City on Friday.
The Chile international, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, has an abdominal strain that could also keep him on the sidelines for the trip to Stoke City on August 19.
Sanchez was given extended time off due to his participation in the Confederations Cup, but he returned to training later than planned because of illness.
The 28-year-old was left out of the Gunners' Community Shield-winning squad on Sunday due to being short of preparation, and now injury has forced him onto the treatment table.
In this morning's press conference, Wenger told reporters: "Sanchez will not be available. He had a little abdominal strain that he caught on Sunday morning in training. He had the scan two days ago. He's out for, er, a while.
"I don't know if it will be two weeks or one more week but I don't think he will play at Stoke. Sanchez is always loss but we have all the other players prepared and they are ready."
The news comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the player's future, with the latest reports claiming that Paris Saint-Germain have withdrawn their interest in the attacker.
Two-time Premier League champions Manchester City have been linked with a move.
Danielle Joynson
