ARSENE Wenger has defended his decision to start Alexis Sanchez in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Norwich after the Chilean limped out of the action with a suspected hamstring injury.
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The 26-year-old notched a brace and featured for 90 minutes of a 3-0 Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb last week, with his manager subsequently revealing that he had experienced a “little hamstring alarm”.
The Gunners must win that game to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League and, barring a four goal haul or greater, must do so by a two-goal margin. “Obviously if you ask Alexis Sanchez if he is OK, he is going to say yes”, Henry explained.
“I think the mistake made with Sanchez has more to do with the fact he is already playing with a relatively weak team”. While there are various reasons for Arsenal getting just a point from the game, with our injury problems and the home side’s commitment and desire two big aspects, I wanted to look at why Bellerin struggled to get into the game.
Poor ol’ Arsenal… Arsene Wenger really either needs to change the way his players are training… or fire the entire medical team… because the number of injuries every season is becoming borderline ridiculous.
Wenger felt his side lacked their usual sharpness as the visitors failed to get the three points which would have taken them level with league leaders Manchester City.
The scan results will determine whether he will miss the entire festive schedule of matches, with Arsenal now preparing to play seven matches in a month with a squad that has been significantly depleted by injuries. I must say with all humility we are not in a position where we can predict (injuries) despite all our tests.
“No I don’t regret it”, he said after the game.
After taking the lead on the half-hour mark against Norwich through Mesut Ozil, Arsenal wilted, particularly after recalled striker Lewis Grabban levelled things up for Alex Neil’s men on 43 minutes.
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Wenger has stated on numerous occasions that his star performer is jaded and in need of a rest, but he has continued to play him in every Arsenal game and now faces a spell on the sidelines. “He says it is a kick on his hamstring – I fear the reality is worse than that”. We should have played our game better than we did.
