Chile FA release update on Arsenal talisman Sanchez, confirm he has muscle injury

Tue 8 November 2016 17:45, UK

By Tony Hughes

Chile officials have confirmed that Alexis Sanchez has suffered a low grade muscular injury.

CNN Chile claim the forward reported for international duty before pulling out of training early on Tuesday afternoon to undergo medical tests for a suspected torn calf muscle.

This prompted fears that the Arsenal talisman would be sidelined for months in a potentially devastating blow to the team’s title challenge.

The Chile Football Association have now released a statement on their website confirming Sanchez’s injury.

“The Medical Corps of the Chilean National Team reports that player Alexis Sanchez has a low grade muscular injury,” it read. “The athlete will remain in Santiago, under treatment and in evaluation.”

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[Comunicado] Parte médico del jugador @Alexis_Sanchez https://t.co/6iy6dZbU6u pic.twitter.com/jCNjDesfsn
— Selección Chilena (@LaRoja) November 8, 2016

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Chile face two important games, against Colombia on Thursday and Uruguay next Tuesday, as they attempt to qualify for the World Cup.

Alexis Sanchez left Chile training early this afternoon to undergo medical exams for a suspected torn calf muscle. [@Emol]
— Matias Grez (@matias_grez) November 8, 2016

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Sanchez could be facing months on the sidelines if further tests confirm a more serious injury to his calf.

?? Alexis Sánchez abandona la práctica de la “Roja” con molestias y esta tarde será evaluado https://t.co/7xvk8ZNkiw pic.twitter.com/hadvwkTstY
— Emol.com (@Emol) November 8, 2016

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Sanchez has been in sensational form for Arsenal this season after being handed a new role as the spearhead of the attack.

He has responded with eight goals and seven assists from 15 matches in all competitions and has been a key player in the Gunners’ 16-game unbeaten run.

Arsenal have entered the international fourth in the league with 24 points from their opening 11 matches, just two points behind leaders Liverpool.

Sanchez, 27, has spoken of his confidence that Arsene Wenger’s side can mount a genuine title challenge in what is his third season at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s next two matches are against Manchester United in the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

In other Arsenal team news, the club are moving closer to securing a new long-term deal for one of their most-prized assets.