Alexis survives; relieved sighs recorded at Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez has given Arsenal an injury boost after playing – and scoring – for Chile on Tuesday. Sanchez’s fitness has been a cause for concern over the international break for the Gunners, with the forward having suffered a “low-grade muscle injury” during Chile training. It was thought that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has keen for the 27-year-old to return to his club for treatment, but Chile insisted he remain with their camp. He missed the 0-0 draw with Colombia with the injury, but it then emerged that Sanchez has been passed fit to feature in the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Tuesday. Record levels of panic were seen at the Emirates Stadium, with Wenger branding the decision to play the star as “suicidal”. But the forward played 85 minutes, scored twice and emerged unscathed as Chile ran out 3-1 winners. Arsenal are now expected to wrap Sanchez in cotton wool ahead of the club’s trip to Old Trafford on Saturday. Manchester United – and 16 Conclusions – await.