Ex-Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez returned to one of his former clubs this summer, rejoining Udinese on a two-year contract in August.
But over a month later, Sanchez is still yet to play for his new (old) club, and he’s not expected to do so for at least another month.
According to reports, Sanchez has a calf injury and is unlikely to be available again until after the October international break. That would mean a debut on October 19th at the earliest.
Udinese boss Kosta Runjaic gave his assessment at the end of last month, saying: “The Chilean will be out for a month and we will have to focus on his recovery.
“We are not happy with the injury and neither is Alexis. We wanted a different return, but that is football.
“Alexis is a professional and knows that he has to follow a recovery programme, we hope to see him on the pitch.
“I cannot say exactly when he will be back, but he is supported by the team and followed by experts, he knows his body and will do everything possible to get back to being in top form.”
Sanchez played for Udinese early on in his career, spending three seasons with the club between 2008 and 2011. He scored 21 goals and assisted 20 in 112 games for them.
After that, the forward spent three-and-a-half seasons with Arsenal, winning two FA Cups before leaving for a trophyless stint with Manchester United.
Most recently in 2023/24, Sanchez scored four goals and assisted five in 33 games for Inter Milan.