Arsene Wenger urges Chile to take caution with injured Alexis Sanchez
Friday 11 November 2016 08:56, UK
Arsene Wenger has warned Chile against making a "suicidal decision" and potentially aggravating Alexis Sanchez's injury.
Sanchez limped out of Chile training on Tuesday with what was thought to be a minor calf problem and was didn't travel with the squad for their World Cup qualifying 0-0 draw with Colombia.
However, Arsenal manager Wenger has revealed his forward has a hamstring issue, and he is keen to see Chile continue to act with caution ahead of their next qualifier against Uruguay on Tuesday.
Wenger told beIN Sports: "I got a text (to say) that he has a hamstring injury. The team from Chile has travelled without him and they kept him to try and get him fit to play Uruguay for the second game on Tuesday night.
"I believe that with a hamstring injury we have to get access for our medical staff to the MRI scan to see what grade it is, how bad it is and make absolutely sure they don't make any suicidal decision that could harm his future for two or three months.
"That is absolutely important. It's a grey area between the national team and the club team and of course they look at their own results which I can understand but we have to preserve the health of Alexis Sanchez.
"He always wants to play and that's where it is a more sensitive case because he's always ready to play even when injured."
Sanchez has been a key player for Arsenal this season, scoring eight times in all competitions.
And the Gunners have a couple of key fixtures after the international break. They take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on November 19, live on Sky Sports, and then Paris Saint-Germain on November 23 as they look to cement their place at the top of Champions League Group A.
