Manchester United's on-loan winger Alexis Sanchez is facing the possibility of ankle surgery and three months of recovery after damaging ankle ligaments on international duty with Chile.
That is according to his national team manager Reinaldo Rueda, who says Sanchez will be assessed by Inter Milan before a final decision is made on his rehabilitation in conjunction with United.
A statement released by the Chilean FA on Sunday said: "The medical team of the Chilean National Team informs that the player Alexis Sanchez presented in the second half of the match with Colombia [suffered] dislocation of left ankle peroneal tendons with retinal compromise."
Now, Rueda says Inter could decide to go ahead with surgery that could keep Sanchez out of action until 2020.
Rueda said: “He could end up having to go under the knife. The decision is up to Inter, which is his club. We could lose him for two or three months.
“It is a shame because he had only just returned to playing for Inter, he had scored two goals, he played in the Champions League. He was happy and super motivated. Now we have to wait for these crucial hours. We will see what will happen.”
Sanchez, 30, has made four appearances for Inter this season.
The former Arsenal man is contracted to United until 2022.
