EDDIE Howe hailed the match-winning qualities of Alexis Sanchez following the Arsenal star’s recent return to fitness.

The Chilean magician had been sidelined by a hamstring injury for two months prior to his comeback at the end of January.

That meant the 27-year-old missed Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Cherries just after Christmas but in his absence German ace Mesut Ozil pulled the strings.

Reflecting on Sanchez’s potential inclusion at Vitality Stadium on Sunday (1.30pm), Howe told the Daily Echo: “He is an outstanding footballer. They have had a few injuries this season but when everyone’s fit at Arsenal, their squad is second to none.

“They have got quality in every position and welcoming him back is a huge boost for them. It’s not such good news for us.

“It means they have more match-winners in their team which is something we’re going to have to guard against.”

Asked how his team could counter the threat of World Cup winner Ozil, Howe joked: “Play with 13 men? That might help.

Howe added: “At the Emirates, Ozil was very good and we struggled to stop him having a big influence as the game wore on, highlighted by his goal.

“But we still felt there were things we could have done better.”