Alexis Sanchez is limping, and anxiety has taken hold of soccer fans in various places around the world.
The Arsenal FC and Chile star suffered a slight calf muscle strain Tuesday in practice. Original reports claimed Sanchez had torn his calf muscle, but Chile’s medical staff damped those fears by diagnosing him with a less severe injury. Nevertheless, Sanchez will miss Thursday’s trip to Colombia.
“The medical staff of Chile’s national team would like to inform that Alexis Sanchez has a low grade muscle injury,” Chile announced on its website, per ESPN. “He will remain in Santiago, under treatment and his participation for Chile against Uruguay (on Nov. 15) will be evaluated.”
Sanchez, 27, is a Chile icon, having helped his country win back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016.
Arsenal undoubtedly will be anxious to evaluate Sanchez. The Gunners will face rival Manchester United on Nov. 19 in the Premier League and French champion PSG on Nov. 23 in the UEFA Champions League.
Sanchez is a key figure in Arsenal’s attack, with eight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season. Losing the Chilean for an extended period would diminish Arsenal’s hopes of escaping November with positive momentum.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
