ARSENAL’S Champions League hopes took a major dent on Sunday but it hasn’t damaged morale amongst the players as they returned to training.
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over West Ham this weekend meant the Gunners are now relying on Jurgen Klopp’s side slipping up at home to Middlesbrough on the final day of the season.
And despite the big prospect of missing out on Europe’s most prestigious competition for the first time since 1997, the players and manager were all-smiles in training on Monday.
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Alexis Sanchez, who dropped his biggest hint that he will remain an Arsenal player in the win over Stoke, was snapped laughing with his team-mates whilst Mesut Ozil sat on the ground with a big grin on his face.
Even under pressure boss Arsene Wenger looked in good spirits as he shared a joke with club legend and coach Robert Pires.
And it was no surprise to catch the Frenchman in a good mood with the news that the Gunners have sealed the signing of left-back Sead Kolasinic on a free transfer.
The talented 23-year-old will join his new team-mates on July 1 ahead of the pre-season.
Arsenal host Sunderland on Tuesday and Sanchez’s participation in training suggests the Chilean will be fit to start.
Sanchez limped off in the win over Stoke with a thigh injury and has been closely monitored by Arsenal’s medical team.