Alexis Sanchez called up for Chile squad despite injury and lack of football at Arsenal
The forward is yet to make a competitive appearance for Arsenal this season, but he is set to feature in the World Cup qualifiers
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ALEXIS SANCHEZ has been called up for international duty, despite carrying an abdominal injury that has seen him sidelined for Arsenal.
The 28-year-old will be included in the Chile squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Paraguay and Bolivia.
Despite missing the Premier League opener, Sanchez has been deemed fit to play by his international coach.
On Thursday, Chile chief Antonio Pizzi said: "The information we have is that he is available.
"He will not have problems getting to the qualifying date."
Chile are set to take on Paraguay on August 31, followed by Bolivia on September 5 at Estadio Hernando Siles.
Sanchez has been out of action for Arsenal due to an abdominal strain, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirming he is likely to be "out for a while."
The future of the Chilean at the Emirates has been a talking point for most of the year, but he currently remains training in North London.
The former Barcelona and Udinese goalscorer is also expected to miss the Gunners trip to Stoke City on Saturday.
Sanchez has tallied 115 international caps and appeared in all five matches as La Roja reached the Confederations Cup final in July.
Chile currently sit just inside the CONMELBOL's automatic qualification spots for the 2018 World Cup.
Antonio Pizzi is keen to include Chile's all-time leading goalscorer in his 19-man list of international options.
The international squad will also include the likes of Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz.
