Alexis Sanchez is suffering a ‘very tortuous’ time since leaving Arsenal for Manchester United, according to Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda.

Rueda believes it’s been a traumatic time for Sanchez, ever since leaving Arsenal.

Over two years after Sanchez joined Manchester United, it’s fair to say things aren’t going to plan. In all that time, he still hasn’t scored as many goals as he did in the first half of 2017/18 with Arsenal. Let alone what he achieved in his last full season.

It’s undeniable that his form dropped significantly after his departure, and injuries didn’t help either.

“It’s been a traumatic year for him, very tortuous, even after his departure from Arsenal, his first year in Manchester,” Rueda said.

“He came to the Copa America in Brazil and then he was very unlucky to get injured in Alicante in a friendly against Colombia. It almost frustrated his loan to Inter.

“Once he had recovered, the pandemic happened. I hope it passes fast because he is a great professional.”

After missing 13 games in four years with Arsenal through injury, Sanchez is already up to 34 absences with his new clubs in half the time. Either his age is catching up to him, or he ran himself into the ground over those four years.

The winger barely had a break whilst playing for the Gunners. Not only did he make 52, 41 and 51 appearances in each of his complete club seasons, he also played in the World Cup (2014), Copa America (2015 & 2016) and the Confederations Cup (2017).

Bar the legally required holiday each year, Sanchez hardly ever stopped. It’s no surprise that’s causing problems for him now.