The coach of the Chilean national team has given an update on the fitness of Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez.
La Roja coach Eduardo Berizzo explained in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, that the 34-year-old was left out of the squad for yesterday’s loss to Uruguay, but that he’ll be ready for the team’s second match of the international break against Colombia.
Veteran forward Sanchez has spent the early part of the season returning to full match-fitness.
When the Chilean arrived at Inter, he did not necessarily do so in ideal physical condition. This was because Sanchez had not had the chance to train normally with teammates after leaving Marseille.
Sanchez had worked individually to keep his fitness levels up during the summer.
But without a full preseason with a team, it was never likely that the 34-year-old would have full match-fitness right away.
This has meant that Sanchez has yet to feature in a matchday squad.
And moreover, the veteran formal Arsenal and Barcelona man did not feature for Chile in last night’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Chile Coach Berizzo Says Inter Milan Forward Alexis Sanchez Will Be Ready To Face Colombia
According to Sanchez’s national team coach, however, it won’t be long until the 34-year-old is back on the pitch.
“Another match awaits us on Tuesday, an Alexis will be ready for it,” Chile coach Berizzo said.
“After the medical tests that he underwent in Italy, he needed a period of rest as a precaution,” he continued.
“But once that time passes, he’ll be an option on Tuesday.”
Berizzo stressed that “We had to be cautious with him.”
“Sanchez’s absence [against Uruguay yesterday evening] was not a technical decision,” the La Roja coach added. “It was just for clinical reasons.”
Sanchez could be back in Inter’s squad for the derby clash with AC Milan after the break.
