Arsene Wenger expects the future of Alexis Sanchez to be decided in the next 48 hours as the Chilean striker nears a £25million transfer to Manchester United.
Wenger omitted Sanchez from the squad as Arsenal lost 2-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday but warned he will not be sold unless a replacement can be signed.
'Alexis would have played,' said Wenger. 'But it's a difficult period for him. He has always been committed until now but he could have moved yesterday, today or not.
'It will be decided in the next 48 hours. It was a bit difficult for him because he was on stand-by, a little bit.