Arsene Wenger: 'I took gamble on Alexis Sanchez'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he took a gamble by starting Alexis Sanchez in the FA Cup fifth-round victory over Middlesbrough.

The Chilean forward picked up a knee injury in the 2-1 win against Leicester City on Wednesday, and it was thought that he would not be fit enough in time to face Boro.

Two goals from Olivier Giroud saw the Gunners triumph 2-0 over their Championship opponents, with Sanchez starting the game.

"I took a gamble on him," The Sport Review quotes Wenger as saying.

"He always wants to play. Everybody's like that but he is a little more so. He had a good performance. I think he became stronger as the game went on."

Sanchez moved to the Emirates Stadium from Barcelona for £35m last summer.