As the press gather for Arsene Wenger’s 9:am briefing it is no surprise that the Frenchman is late with one reporter joking that he is still crying in the showers over the latest injury crisis at the club following the loss of Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla.
Wenger will tell you that he had planned to give the Chilean a bit of a winter break, but he had not thought that it would be spent back in South America undergoing treatment from the Chilean national team’s doctors.
As for Spaniard, Cazorla the knee injury appears to be much more serious than first thought and could in fact keep the Gunners playmaker out for up to three months.
Team news for tomorrows match against Sunderland is that Laurent Koscielny could return following the knock he picked up against Norwich, with Theo Walcott given a fitness test before the match.
Wenger also added that he may play Calum Chambers in midfield.
When asked about the title race Wenger said:
“We have gone through a spell taking two points in three, we are still only two off the top.
“The whole pack is tight and compact.”
“We are in there”
When asked about Cazorla and Sanchez:
“I don’t know (when they come back).
“Sanchez is a hamstring, but he’s usually a quick one.
“Cazorla we wait to see the specialist.”
“[Injuries] a debate that I leave to specialists. We compare our injuries across Europe and I don’t think we have more injuries than anyone else.
“Sanchez had four weeks holiday, he was rested in some games. We had five days between Dinamo and Norwich.
“No one said he could displace his hamstring or back when he was shoved into the cameras [by Ryan Bennett].
“If you want to blame me with the injuries, I have no problem with it.
When asked about transfers:
“I tell you exactly the same, we are in December and focus on tomorrow’s game.”
When a reporter asked about Arsenal’s interest in John Stones Wenger added: “We are not after John Stones. We are focused on tomorrow’s game.
His thoughts on Gary Neville managing Valencia:
“Good luck. Valencia is one of the biggest clubs in Spain, and it’s a great opportunity for him.
“He must try to understand the local culture, the culture of the club as well. Find a good compromise between that and without your giving up the way you see football.
When asked which team could win the title:
Mathematically, maybe 10 to 12.
Realistically, maybe 6.
If you look across the league. Every game is difficult for everybody. It is down to consistency. I believe we are in there and it’s how well we respond. I am convinced we will respond very well.
Talking about Sunderland:
It is difficult [to break them down].
We have about 70% possession [vs Norwich and West Brom] …in the two games together, we have four shots against us, but concede 3 goals.
Tomorrow we face a team who is well organised, has a strong defensive system, has confidence in their system as well.
