Should Alexis Sanchez use the Europa League as a warm-up for Chelsea? (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have been advised to give Alexis Sanchez a Europa League run-out this week in order to get him warmed up for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

This advice comes Blues legend Frank Lampard, who accepts that Arsene Wenger may not want to use his best players in the group stage tie against FC Cologne on Thursday.

Still, Lampard believes Arsenal have the squad to win the Europa League and could kill two birds with one stone by involving Sanchez to get his match fitness up.

The Chilean hasn’t yet returned to peak condition after arriving back late to pre-season this summer, but Arsenal will desperately want him at his best against Chelsea.

Sanchez could do with more games under his belt after a late return to pre-season (Picture: Getty)

Lampard admits the decision over whether to use Sanchez will probably be the biggest one Wenger makes this week.

‘They (Arsenal) have the players to win the competition if their attitude is right,’ Lampard wrote in the London Evening Standard.

‘With a league game at Chelsea on Sunday, I’m sure Wenger will make some changes. Yet there are enough options for him to rotate.

Sanchez was only a substitute in the last game against Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal 2017/18 fixtures

Huddersfield (A) - Sun May 13

‘The biggest choice might be over Alexis Sanchez.

‘Wenger says he isn’t match fit, however playing on Thursday might make him ready for the trip to Stamford Bridge.’

Sanchez proved a crucial performer for the Gunners against Chelsea last season, scoring in both the league win over Antonio Conte’s side at the Emirates Stadium, and in May’s FA Cup final clash at Wembley.

MORE : Arsenal star puts Alexis Sanchez fears to bed