Alexis Sanchez doubtful to start against Southampton

Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez could be left out of the starting line-up against Southampton after he reported late from international duty.

The Chilean featured against Paraguay and Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers, and he is unlikely to be 100 percent fit for Saturday's Premier League fixture.

Sanchez was initially expected to play on the right wing for the Gunners with summer arrival Lucas Perez set to earn his debut on the left side of the attack.

But, due to exertions with his national side, manager Arsene Wenger could be tempted to bench his player, given how it impacted him during the previous campaign.

The 27-year-old came through a similar spell with his country last season, and this affected his progress in the festive period as he was ruled out with a hamstring problem.

As things stand, a rejuvenated Theo Walcott looks set to start on the right wing with Olivier Giroud upfront, whilst Mesut Ozil occupies the position behind the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Shkodran Mustafi is expected to make his Gunners debut alongside Laurent Koscielny after he overcame a minor injury scare while featuring for Germany against Finland.

Probable Starting Line-up : Petr Cech, Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Perez, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud.