Alexis Sanchez’ chances of ending his Manchester United misery in January have been hit after fears the Chilean will be out until the end of the month with a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old is set to undergo further tests after tearing the hamstring in his right leg during training on Thursday - but early indications are that he will be sidelined for three to four weeks.
It is the latest blow to Sanchez, who is bitterly frustrated about his lack of football this season after being displaced by Anthony Martial.
He is ready to leave when the transfer window opens in January if his situation doesn’t improve. But the injury looks like it has robbed him of the chance to force his way back into Jose Mourinho’s plans over Christmas, or put himself in the shop window before a potential move in the New Year.
Paris Saint-Germain are seen as one of the only clubs capable of taking on his wages on top of a transfer fee - but the French club are likely to prefer to wait until the summer when they may need to replace Neymar.
And after an injury-disrupted campaign, Sanchez’ latest breakdown will do little to convince PSG or any other potential suitor to move midway through the season.
Sanchez has scored one goal and started just seven games this season.
But despite His frustrations, Mourinho claimed last week he was unlikely to leave in January.
“I don’t think so because he never told me that he wants to leave or isn’t happy to stay,” said the United manager, who also made it clear he would not keep a player against their will.
“He is like the team.
“He is improving like the team is improving and when he plays he is giving us his personality, his desire to play, to produce for the team and trying to adapt to how we play and vice versa.
“Can he do better? I think we can all do better. I can do better and he can do better and all the other players can also do better.”
