Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez has been hailed as one of the best players in the world after he shrugged off injury to score twice in Chile’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday evening. The 27-year-old was initially a major doubt to feature during the international break after suffering a low grade hamstring tear last Tuesday.
But the Arsenal forward showed no signs of injury as he struck twice in the second half to secure a vital victory in Chile’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
‘Individuals speak for themselves,’ Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi said after the match.
‘Alexis is among the best players in the world.
‘[But] I am more in favour of emphasising the strengths of the group. And it is what allowed us to turn the game.’
Despite having his right thigh heavily bandaged in training, Sanchez was declared ‘100% ready’ to play against Uruguay by Pizzi.