Alexis Sanchez could be left out of Chile’s friendly against Russia as he recovers from a gruelling season at Arsenal.

  • Chile will play a friendly against Russia in preparation for the Confederations Cup
  • Alexis could have a rare day off
  • However, he still expected to take full part in the tournament

Chile manager Juan Antonio Pizzi has said that Alexis Sanchez could be rested for Chile’s game against Russia.

“Alexis will arrive on Wednesday evening in Moscow to train on Thursday,” he said. “Playing against Russia on Friday? It hasn’t been ideal to have good preparation. We’ll see on Thursday how he has arrived, but I don’t think he will be ready by then.”

Alexis had three weeks off following the FA Cup final and a combination of rest and commercial commitments means he’ll arrive in Russia later than his teammates.

Missing any game of football is inconceivable for Alexis. Since 2014, he’s played 221 times for club and country. However, it seems common sense could prevail this time and the player won’t be rushed back for a friendly.

Alexis is expected to take full part in the upcoming Confederations Cup. It’ll be the fourth summer in a row that Alexis will be playing tournament football.