Arsenal: Arsene Wenger defends decision to start Alexis Sanchez

Arsene Wenger defended his decision to start Alexis Sanchez in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Norwich after the Chilean and two other players picked up injuries.

The Arsenal boss said Sanchez suffered "a little hamstring alarm" after scoring twice in Tuesday's 3-0 win Champions League over Dinamo Zagreb.

But he started on Sunday and Arsenal's injury problems worsened in what Wenger said was a "below par performance".

"I would have rested him but he said he was fine to play," the Frenchman added.

"Santi Cazorla finished on one leg and has a knee problem, Laurent Koscielny has a hip problem and Sanchez a thigh problem.

"He says it is a kick on his hamstring, I believe that is not really the reality. I fear it is not the reality.

"I do not know how long Sanchez will be out but it is a big blow. We will have to assess the injuries tomorrow."

Koscielny had to be taken off early in the first half at Carrow Road, with Sanchez withdrawn in the second half.

Had Cazorla also been forced off Arsenal would have finished with 10 men, having made all three substitutions after Norwich striker Lewis Grabban cancelled out Mesut Ozil's opener just before half-time.

The result meant Wenger's side missed out on the chance to draw level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.