Arsene Wenger Talks Alexis Sanchez Injury, Potentially 'Suicidal' Chile Decision

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called Chile's option to risk Alexis Sanchez's fitness a "suicidal decision," after the country opted to keep the injured superstar available in their squad, despite sustaining a hamstring issue.

Wenger fears the brave attacker will play through the pain in order to face Uruguay—a decision that could see him miss three months of action if the injury deteriorates.

John Cross of the Mirror reported the Gunners boss is "ready to go to war with the Chilean [Football Association]" after the player failed to return to England for treatment. It was initially believed Sanchez had damaged his calf. The attacker will miss his side's match against Columbia but will receive treatment to rush his return back to duty.

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In an interview with beIN Sports (h/t Cross), Wenger said:

"

I got a text last night (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.

"

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Sanchez suffered with a hamstring injury last term that kept him out of Arsenal's side for a prolonged period.

Wenger will be keen to wrap his player up in cotton wool as he protects one of the north London giant's biggest assets.

Sanchez has hit goalscoring form this season, often used as the striker at the point of the attack, and if he suffers a serious injury, Wenger's team will be short of inspiration through the busy Christmas period of matches.