This evening was a frustrating one for Arsene Wenger’s stars against a resilient Norwich side who held them to a 1-1 draw. But the draw was not the only issue that arose during the match. Some good news for Arsenal fans before kick-off was the return of talents Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the Arsenal squad – the Welshman to the starting line-up and the tricky winger took his place on the bench as a precaution.
However, the smiles were to be wiped off the faces of the North London Reds faithful after the early departure of reliant defender Laurent Koscielny with what is to be believed as a hip problem. Wenger said, “For Koscielny, it was a kick on his hip and he could not move at all”
Arsenal pick up three injuries in away draw
This unfortunate blow was soon followed up by some cheer for the reds as Mesut Ozil scored a delightful chip following a defensive mishap allowed Arsenal to steal possession, with Alexis playing a slick ball through to the German to convert.
Just before half-time Norwich hit back with a well-worked goal by Lewis Grabban, spinning defender Gabriel in the box before slotting home underneath Petr Cech to level the scoring. To rub salt into the wounds, more injuries befell the Arsenal ranks as Alexis Sanchez pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring strain after a challenge in the Norwich box. Arsene Wenger, however, confirmed speculation as to what the severity Sanchez’s hamstring injury may be; 'He says it is a kick on his hamstring. I fear the reality is worse than that”
Gunners miss chance to go joint-top with draw at Norwich
Despite Alexis’ desire to keep playing every game, his run may be at an end and it may be time for Wenger to consider resting the Chilean winger more often.
In addition to the losses of Koscielny and Alexis, Santi Cazorla also pulled up with a knee issue of which the Gunner’s boss is also concerned about. 'In the first half, he got a kick on the knee and it got worse. I don’t know if he has jaded his knee ligament or he it was just a kick on the nerve but the worrying thing was it got worse during the game," Wenger said.
These are worrying times for Arsenal as yet again injuries may thwart the potential for success in the Premier League yet again, with key, influential players potentially missing many important games.