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Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez could play for Chile in qualifier despite injury

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is back in training with Chile despite a thigh injury and could try to play in their midweek World Cup qualifier against the wishes of club manager Arsene Wenger.

Sanchez worked out during the first part of Chile's training session on Sunday with his right thigh heavily bandaged after suffering a muscle injury in training last week.

He sat out the 0-0 draw with Colombia, but the Chilean federation said he could be fit to play in Tuesday's game against Uruguay.

However, Wenger has warned Chile against making a "suicidal decision" by playing Sanchez and wants to make sure his star striker is fit to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend.

"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," the manager told beIN Sports last week.

Chile are currently fifth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, with only the top four earning automatic spots at the 2018 tournament in Russia, and also have fitness doubts over Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said the club are "very worried" about Vidal after he vowed to play for Chile next week "no matter what" despite picking up an injury.

Their game against Uruguay does not kick off until early Wednesday morning UK time, meaning Sanchez could struggle to recover for the United clash even if fully fit.

The Gunners kick off at Old Trafford at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.