Arsenal trio were not fit enough to play – Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey were all not fit enough to be considered for selection against Chelsea.
The Gunners won the Community Shield in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley, where the Blues had Pedro sent off.
Wenger was without Sanchez, who has been ill, while Ozil and Ramsey were nursing ankle and calf problems respectively and are expected to miss Arsenal’s opening Premier League match of the season, against Leicester City on Friday.
Wenger explained: “I left them all out because some are short of preparation, like Alexis.
“Mesut had a kick on his ankle. It was swollen and he couldn’t play.
“He has a little chance on Friday night and Ramsey has a chance but he could be short as well – he has a little calf problem.”
Wenger praised his side for the way they responded to going behind to Victor Moses’ goal in the opening minute of the second half.
They hit back with Sead Kolašinac’s equaliser and created a number of chances.
“I’m very happy because we won the trophy we wanted to win and because I believe the quality of the game was very good,” Wenger said.
“There were two teams that gave everything and the game was of intensity and quality.
“Even when we were 1-0 down we didn’t panic and we came back.”
