Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda has confirmed that forward Alexis Sanchez could be out for the next three months after he suffered an ankle injury on international duty.
Sanchez, on loan at Inter Milan from Manchester United, was hurt in the second half of Chile’s 0-0 friendly draw with Colombia in Alicante and was duly replaced three minutes from the end of the match.
The Chilean Football Federation said on Sunday that the 30-year-old has “dislocated tendons” in his left ankle, but Rueda has since stated the 30-year-old may not return to action until the new year if Inter decide to proceed with surgery.
Speaking ahead of Chile’s friendly against Guinea tomorrow, Rueda said: “We won’t have Sanchez for this game.
“Should he undergo surgery with Inter, for two or three more months [he will be out].
“It’s a shame, he was starting to play with his club, he scored two goals and played in the Champions League.
“We have to wait, the next few hours will be crucial as we will know what decision Inter will make. For us he is Alexis Sanchez, for Inter he is one of their players.”
Sanchez has shown glimpses of his best football since joining Antonio Conte’s side on a season-long loan in August, scoring on his first start for the club against Sampdoria while also putting in an impressive display against former side Barcelona in the Champions League.
However, he has also had his issues in Italy too, getting sent off in the same match against Sampdoria while also having to play in the shadow of Romelu Lukaku, who has taken Serie A by storm since joining from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent deal in the summer
Inter and United are expected to discuss the best course of action for the Chilean, who is on his way back to Europe, over the next few days.
