Arsene Wenger handed Mathieu Debuchy a surprise recall for Arsenal's win over Bournemouth - and then admitted he thought the defender might get injured after he was forced off early in the contest.

The France international had not started a game for the Gunners in over a year and looked set to be leaving the club in January having fallen behind both Hector Bellerin and Carl Jenkinson in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.

The superb Alexis Sanchez had already given the hosts the lead, profiting from a weak Steve Cook backpass, before Debuchy injured his hamstring, with Callum Wilson levelling for Bournemouth from the penalty spot soon after.

Theo Walcott toasted the birth of his second son by heading Arsenal back in front, with Sanchez rounding off an impressive display with a late third as the Gunners halted a run of three straight draws in November.

But it was the potentially serious injury to Debuchy, who was replaced by Gabriel, which marred an otherwise positive afternoon for Wenger, whose side remain unbeaten in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.

"Debuchy, he thinks it's a severe one," he said.

"Don't go too far because I have to speak to medical people, but you can only assess it really after 48 hours. You have to let it bleed and after, usually they have an MRI scan 48 hours later to see how big the damage is.

"When I picked the squad I imagined that something could happen to Debuchy because he's had many setbacks."

Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Petr Cech - 6/10 Aside from the penalty, he was required to do very little throughout but he stepped up when he was needed. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Mathieu Debuchy - 5 It was a shame to see him leave the pitch with an injury so early into the game after such an anticipated return to the side. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Shkodran Mustafi - 6 His work rate was exceptional today and his speed at the back kept his side in it at times. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Laurent Koscielny - 7 Despite being clumsy in a few challenges, it was a classic Koscielny performance. He led his line well and defended hard. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Nacho Monreal - 6 He gave away the penalty in the first half, but aside from this he worked well up and down the pitch throughout. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Mohamed Elneny - 7 Linked up very well with the Gunners strikers and showed his ability in the defensive third. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Granit Xhaka - 6 His work rate was unquestionable, but he didn’t see enough of the ball. His shooting could also do with some work. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Theo Walcott - 6 He was a key element to the Arsenal counter attacks and his pace caused the Bournemouth defence issues. His efforts were rewarded with a last minute goal. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Mesut Ozil - 7 It was a classic Ozil performance today. Set pieces, assists, through balls and his passing were all very impressive. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6 His pace caused Bournemouth a number of issues, which won his side a number of free kicks. Defensively he looked strong too. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Alexis Sanchez - 8 Fully deserved his goals today. Tracked back and led attacks in a disciplined performance. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Adam Federici - 5 He lacked any real presence in between the sticks, and appeared to lack confidence. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Simon Francis - 5 Made a number of clumsy challenges and let his temper get the better of him at times. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Steve Cook - 5 A dismal defensive mistake gave away the first goal, but following that, he did his job. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Nathan Ake - 7 His defending was brave and he took no chances in his defensive third. Showed glimpses of brilliance. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Brad Smith - 6 Impressed going forward, but defensively there’s room for improvement. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Dan Gosling - 6 Exceptional work rate and made his presence known throughout. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Harry Arter - 7 He was a key outlet for the Bournemouth side. He created chances, made space and defended well. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Adam Smith - 6 It was a safe performance from Smith. He played his role well and stopped a number of Arsenal attacks. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Joshua King - 5 He didn’t see enough of the ball throughout for a player of such ability. If he had more involvement, he could have done some serious damage. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Junior Stanislas - 6 His first half was impressive, but he appeared to go off the boil in the second. Deliveries into the box were good. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Callum Wilson - 7 Did his job today and his efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved goal.

Wenger had previously said the former Newcastle defender would need more under-23 games to improve his fitness after a number of niggling injuries, so it was a shock to see the 31-year-old start ahead of Jenkinson.

But it was not a surprise to see Sanchez bag a brace as the Chilean impressed having reverted back to the central striker's role he has taken up for much of this season.

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"Even when he looks dead, he's still alive and always finds the resources to do something special," Wenger said of Sanchez.