Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez is fully committed to Arsenal despite axing the wantaway Chilean on Wednesday night.
The South American, who is edging closer to a move to Manchester City, was a surprise omission from the starting XI for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea.
Wenger’s selection decision only served to heighten speculation that Sanchez will join Pep Guardiola’s side this month. But the Arsenal manager defended his star attacker amid claims he already has one eye one the Etihad Stadium.
Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez is still fully committed to Arsenal despite talks of an exit
‘The team selection had nothing to do with the transfer market,’ said Wenger. ‘Why did I start him on the bench? Why not? I do not have to justify every decision I make, you know. I have played over 1000 games and over 1000 teams.
‘I want him to stay this month. I want him to stay for longer because he’s a very important players for us.
‘When he came on tonight, you could see that he created danger straight away. We have to accept as well when you play so many games and Sanchez plays every game that sometimes a breather in the middle of the season helps a little bit.’
Sanchez was a surprise name on the bench as talk of a move to Manchester City intensifies
But the Chilean emerged from the bench in the second half and probed Chelsea’s defence
‘People don’t know Alexis Sanchez well, this is a guy who is completely focused on playing football.
‘You see how he warmed up and how he came on: like a player who wants to play football and he can make a difference between what is going on outside and what’s going on on the football pitch.
‘He gives 100 percent.’
Meanwhile, the Frenchman fears Jack Wilshere will miss the weekend clash against Bournemouth after going off with an ankle injury midway through the second half on Wednesday night.
Wenger revealed that the initial prognosis is not a bad one but said he is unlikely to travel to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
He said: ‘The first look was not too bad but of course for Sunday I think he will be short. It is a shame. It is his good ankle. He has a good one!’
Wenger says Wilshere may miss a return to Bournemouth but didn’t suffer a long-term injury
