Wenger compares Arsenal’s Alexis Sánchez to Ian Wright

Arsène Wenger believes Alexis Sánchez’s enthusiasm for the game has the hallmark of the former Arsenal striker Ian Wright. The Chilean is set to return against Leicester City on Tuesday and Wenger is confident he will remain fit for the remainder of the season.


Sánchez has missed two matches with a hamstring problem, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on Saturday during which Arsenal failed to spark. His return, on the back of a deserved defeat, represents a welcome boost for Arsenal who are sixth in the Premier League behind Spurs.

Sánchez has scored 18 goals and Wenger will decide on Tuesday whether the player will start against the bottom club. Arsenal are without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for at least two more weeks while Jack Wilshere’s return date remains unknown.

Wenger, when asked if Sánchez reminded him of any former players, said: “Ian Wright. He is a bit like Ian Wright. His enthusiasm, the enthusias1m of Ian Wright. He has that. He is very friendly and bubbly every day. He is quieter than Ian Wright but that is not difficult and he doesn’t get booked.

“He has had a bit of a winter break now, [one] that he didn’t really want but he got one and I think he will now be recovered and fit until the end of the season. It was difficult for him not to play [against Spurs]. If it was the last game of the season he would have played.

“For us it is important that he has no setback as once you go into February, if you have a muscular injury and a guy has a setback, you say bye, bye as the season is over as it is six weeks out. By the time you come back to your full level it is April and that is why we didn’t take the gamble [of rushing him back].”

Wenger also questioned the clarity of Uefa’s financial fair play regulations after José Mourinho suggested last week that clubs who fall foul of the rules be deducted points. Wenger said: “I think we have a good sense of humour here.

“The financial fair play rules have to be respected by everybody and if one club respected always the financial fair play you can underline Arsenal.

“Is it is just your income created by the gates? Is it the gates and commercial and then you can already start to be creative?

“Is it only the gates and the television? Is it naming rights as well? It is not clear to people what financial fair play means, the rules are very complicated.”


By James Riach, Guardian