Eva Carneiro backed by Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss states: 'The rules are clear' 

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Arsene Wenger has backed Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro by claiming the Barclays Premier League rules state clearly that only referee can decide when the medics enter the pitch.

Caneiro clashed with Jose Mourinho on the touchline last Saturday after she and physio Jon Fearn ran onto the pitch to treat Eden Hazard, meaning that Hazard would have to leave the pitch and the team would be reduced briefly to nine men.

Mourinho has since removed the doctor and physio from match-day duties and, while the Arsenal boss refused to speculate on what was going on behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, he claimed his old foe was in the wrong and that disunity in the camp could cause trouble.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger (right) has given his backing to Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro

Carneiro received the brunt of Jose Mourinho's criticism after rushing on to treat Eden Hazard

Carneiro and Mourinho exchange words on the touchline during Chelsea's draw with Swansea City

'It can be a problem inside a club,' said Wenger. 'It's difficult enough and if you're not united it's more difficult. Trust and unity inside a club is a strength.

'That story at Chelsea, I have not followed that and I do not have great interest in what's going on.

'Secondly, the rules are clear, when the ref give indication for the medics to come on they can come on. 

'After that, in this situation, I don't know. But the rules are quite clear. The referee makes the decision.'

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin will be fit for the Gunners' trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Chile international Sanchez has only been back in training for one week following his international commitments this summer but is in contention to start at Selhurst Park following Arsenal's shock opening defeat by West Ham.

Wenger confirmed Alexis Sanchez is fit and available to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is also available for the Gunners' trip to south London

Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil look dejected as they line up to restart the game during the loss to West Ham

Summer signing Petr Cech had a debut to forget as he was beaten by Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate