Blow for Arsenal as Alexis Sanchez limps out of Chile training with calf muscle tear
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez after the forward limped out of training while on international duty with Chile having sustained a calf injury.
The full extent of the injury and how long Sanchez is set to be sidelined for is yet to be confirmed, although the news will come as a bitter blow to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. Arsenal face pivotal clashes with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain after the international break.
Sanchez, who has scored eight goals for Arsenal so far this season, is set to remain in Santiago while he is evaluated by medical staff, although Chile’s football association have confirmed a muscle tear.
“The medical team of the Chilean national team can confirm Alexis Sanchez has a low grade muscle tear,” read a statement. “The player will stay in Santiago, under treatment and evaluation, ahead of Chile’s match against Uruguay [tomorrow].”
Arsenal missed the chance to hit the Premier League summit on Sunday after drawing 1-1 in the north London derby with Tottenham at Emirates Stadium, although they trail leaders Liverpool by just two points.
The Gunners are currently on a 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions, having not tasted defeat since the opening day of the season against Liverpool, while their passage to the Champions League last 16 was sealed with victory over Ludogorets Razgrad last week.