[Photos] Alexis Sanchez returns to training – set to face Newcastle

Manchester United travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United in our first Premier League fixture of the New Year.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has guided us to three wins out of three since replacing Jose Mourinho as temporary manager last month.

The team have looked impressive in scoring 12 goals during the Norwegian’s short spell in charge and will be looking to maintain our maximum points under our hero later this evening.

With an attack already proving fruitful, Solskjaer will be able to add further depth up front after confirming that Alexis Sanchez is available for the first time under his reign.

The Chilean has been out with a hamstring injury since our 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in late November, but returned to training on New Year’s Day. Solksjaer confirmed the 30-year-old is set to face Newcastle:

“Alexis has had some great training sessions over the last few days and wanted to be here [against Bournemouth] as well but we’ve had to manage him.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer went on to confirm that Alexis Sanchez will be involved against Newcastle, saying:

“He’s been out for a month. He will be involved [at Newcastle], yes.”

One would expect the forward will be involved from the substitutes bench given that he has only been back in training for a couple of days following a month on the sidelines. Solskjaer continued:

”He wants to play all the time, he’s one of those characters. He made himself available but I think it was a few days too early for him. He’s not had enough fitness work but he is champing at the bit.

“I think Alexis is a player that would benefit from the interchanging, rotation and movements and, of course, more chances. If we create more chances and get the ball in the final third, he will be an asset for us. On the floor, in between or in behind, I think he’s looking forward to it. Certainly, it’s looked like it in the session the other day when he scored quite a few nice goals and that was encouraging.”

Newcastle United start this evening’s game down in 15th place, only three points above the relegation zone.

Alexis Sanchez could be set to start Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Reading as Ole looks to get the star back to full match fitness.

A further photo from Sanchez in training is below: