Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Arsene Wenger Talks Alexis Sanchez and More in Presser

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he is willing to accept the blame for Alexis Sanchez's recent injury, but he defended his use of the Chilean superstar ahead of his side's clash with Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

Wenger clarified his thoughts on Sanchez and defended his decision-making, per the Mirror's Alex Richards.

The Frenchman said:

"

Sanchez is adamant he felt fine. 

If I have to take the blame I do. It was not an obvious mistake. 

We have tests. We have medical tests. We are quite sophisticated in testing our players. I had a chat with Sanchez after the game. We test them every week.

"

The Gunners coach explained the attacker will be missing with a hamstring problem, but he doesn't know when the forward will return for the club. He added Sanchez had plenty of time to recover from a busy summer schedule after international duty before sustaining the injury, as cited by James Olley of the London Evening Standard: 

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The Gunners face an injury crisis as they enter the winter months, with Santi Cazorla the latest player to pick up a serious problem.

The Spaniard will be unavailable for three months, per the Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson. Wenger confirmed the player is currently seeing a specialist, according to Richards.

Wenger gave an update on returning talent for his side's match with Sunderland in the Premier League, and said Theo Walcott and Laurent Koscielny might be available, per Olley:

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The manager stated the title race is wide open, and as many as six teams have a realistic chance of becoming Premier League champions.

Per Richards, Wenger said:

"

Mathematically, maybe 10 to 12 [can win the league]. Realistically, maybe 6. If you look across the league. Every game is difficult for everybody. It is down to consistency.

I believe we are in there and its how well we respond. I am convinced we will respond very well.

"

Wenger also spoke about the trials of facing defensive teams in the Premier League, as Sam Allardyce's Sunderland are expected to park the bus at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, per Richards:

"

It is difficult [to break them down].

We have about 70% possession [vs Norwich and West Brom] …in the two games together, we have four shots against us, but concede 3 goals.

Tomorrow we face a team who is well organised, has a strong defensive system, has confidence in their system as well.

"

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

The Frenchman confirmed he might draft Aaron Ramsey into his more favoured role in central midfield given the team's lack of options, and he could also play Calum Chambers in the position, per Richards. 

The Gunners looked good for a strong run at the Premier League title this year, but the thinning of their playing options will be of great concern to supporters. 

Arsenal remain sixth in the English league's form guide, but the collection of just two points from nine leaves the side behind where they should be. 

However, Manchester City are still within their grasp, and despite Sunderland's improving form, the north London club should be too good for the Black Cats.

Allardyce's teams are always difficult to break down, but Arsenal must get the win to stay in the title scene.