Alexis Sánchez could miss pivotal matches for Arsenal after suffering a calf tear while on international duty with Chile.
The forward, who has scored eight goals this season, will remain in Santiago while he is evaluated by medical staff but the initial statement confirmed a muscle tear before Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia in Barranquilla.
A statement from the ANFP, Chile’s national football association, read: “The medical team of the Chilean national team can confirm Alexis Sánchez has a low-grade muscle tear. The player will stay in Santiago, under treatment and evaluation, ahead of Chile’s match against Uruguay.”
Chile, who are due to play Uruguay next Tuesday, are fifth in their World Cup qualifying section with 16 points from 10 games, five points behind leaders Brazil.
The news is a bitter blow for Arsenal who are due to travel to Old Trafford on 19 November for a Premier League clash with Manchester United.
