Arsene Wenger has dismissed claims that he is taking chances with the fitness of Alexis Sanchez.
Four days after playing for Chile against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier the striker was in from the start as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.
Sanchez may be left out of the Arsenal side that plays Paris St Germain tomorrow night in the Champions League but Wenger insists that his medical team aren’t taking chances with the striker.
“He had a bit of tightness in his hamstring, but he was checked before the game,” Wenger explained about his team selection at Old Trafford.
“I follow the instructions of the medical staff and the player. If they declare him capable of playing, and the player does as well… I have never forced anyone to play in my life.
“I’ve never demanded anyone should be injected to play. If a player is 100 per cent, I make a decision but the suggestions I have forced him to play are wrong, completely wrong.
“I had the luxury to give (Mesut) Ozil a break because Germany didn’t pick him. Sanchez was not overloaded with games before United, either, as he didn’t play in Colombia (three days before the Uruguay match).”
Wenger will put fitness questions to one side on Wednesday night when he sends his side out to play the French champions in what is effectively a play-off to top Group A.
Both teams have cleaned up against the group minnows of FC Basel and Luidogorets and kick off at the Emirates level on 10 points.
Having drawn 1-1 in the French capital in matchday one the advantage is with Arsenal who know that a win or 0-0 draw will ensure top place in Group A and a seeded spot in the draw for the last 16.
PSG’s hopes for the match were dealt a blow when they arrived in England without defender Serge Aurier who was denied entry to the UK due to a conviction for police assault last year.