Alexis Sanchez suffers muscular injury, could be out for months

Arsenal’s Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez has reportedly suffered a muscular injury and is facing a spell on the sidelines.

Chile international Alexis Sanchez left training with his national side earlier this morning after experiencing pain in his calf muscle. The influential Arsenal forward has now been sent for tests with fears of a devastating muscle tear looming large.

As reported by CNN Chile, Alexis Sanchez reported for international duty this morning but “set off alarms” as he came to training with muscle pains. The report said: “It is presumed that the Arsenal striker may have suffered a tear, but the team is waiting for the results.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Regardless of whether the injury is a tear or a minor setback Sanchez is set to miss Chile’s World Cup qualifier on Thursday, with the team due to travel to Barranquilla today. The hosts sit at fourth spot on the CONMEBOL table with 17 points while Chile, who have endured a tough qualifying campaign so far, are three points adrift with 14 points.

More tellingly, this spells trouble for Sanchez’s club Arsenal with the feared long spell out on the sidelines potentially being a big problem for Arsene Wenger’s side. The Chilean has been instrumental in Arsenal’s run of 16 games without a loss in all competitions, having scored eight goals as well as providing seven assists so far.

If fears of a muscle tear do come true, Sanchez could be ruled out for a few months, dealing a huge blow to Arsenal’s title charge. In his absence, Olivier Giroud could be asked to fill Sanchez’s spot with the French striker yet to make a start in the league this season. Giroud recently expressed disappointment at being constantly overlooked by Arsene Wenger this season and, if given a chance, will be eager to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Arsenal currently sit fourth on the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool. They next face Manchester United at Old Trafford on 19th November and Arsene Wenger will be hoping his star man can make a miraculous recovery from what looks like a bad injury right now.