Alexis Sanchez shakes off ankle injury as Arsenal star trains with Chile ahead of World Cup qualifier against Bolivia
- Alexis Sanchez was seen with an ice pack around his left ankle after training
- But the Arsenal forward recovered to train with his team-mates on Monday
- Sanchez will hope to feature when Chile face Bolivia on Tuesday evening
After a stop-start beginning to the season amid interest from Manchester City and a bout of illness, the last thing Alexis Sanchez would have wanted was another selection issue.
And when he picked up an ankle problem in Chile training over the weekend, it would have come as a huge blow to both Sanchez and Arsenal.
But even though he was spotted leaving the session with an ice pack around his left ankle, it seems Sanchez was only temporarily stricken.
Alexis Sanchez has a smile on his face as he shakes off an ankle injury to train with Chile
The Arsenal forward battles for the ball with his international team-mate Nicolas Castillo (right)
Arturo Vidal, another key player for the South American team, controls the ball in the air
Because late on Monday night he was involved as Chile trained ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
Sanchez could be seen on the pitch with his international team-mates as they trained in Calama, even feeling confident enough to battle for the ball with Nicolas Castillo.
He also trained while pulling his shorts up in his trademark style, suggesting all is well in Sanchez's world.
There was always hope the 28-year-old could feature against Bolivia, despite his ankle problem.
Claudio Bravo, who could have been Sanchez's team-mate at Manchester City, also trained
The goalkeeper distributes the ball as Chile are watched during the session in Calama
Chile will need him as they look to reach the World Cup in Russia. They are in fourth place in South America's qualifying table, the last automatic slot, although Argentina are hot on their tale.
Lionel Messi's side have improved since the appointment of Jorge Sampaoli as manager and will be hoping to avoid the lottery of the play-offs ahead of the 2018 tournament.
Sanchez himself faced uncertainty at the close of the transfer window as Manchester City made a succession of offers for him.
But the Etihad Stadium club were unable to agree a deal with Arsenal, meaning the forward will remain at the Emirates for the time being.
Chile head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi watches the session as his team prepare to face Bolivia
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