Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has been called up for Chile’s World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Bolivia despite ongoing injury concerns.
Sanchez missed Arsenal’s opening day win over Leicester with an abdominal injury and, despite having returned to training at London Colney last Friday, remains a doubt for the visit to Stoke on Saturday.
That has not stopped Chile turning to their star player for two crucial matches in their bid to reach next summer’s World Cup. La Furia Roja sit only a point clear of Argentina in the last automatic qualifying spot but insist they are not gambling with Sanchez’s fitness.
“The information we have is that he is available,” coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said.
“He will not have problems getting to the qualifying date.”
Speaking on Wednesday Wenger did not entirely rule out Sanchez, whose contract expires next summer and who has found himself the subject of interest from a host of top clubs, featuring against Stoke.
The 28-year-old forward is highly likely to make his first appearance against Liverpool the following week if he does not appear at the Bet365 Stadium.
