Alexis Sanchez is set to miss another month of football through injury before making his second debut for Udinese, according to a report.
Alexis Sanchez signs for Udinese (Photo via Udinese.it)
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.
MADRID, SPAIN: Alexis Sanchez of FC Internazionale reacts after missing the team’s second penalty in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Atlético Madrid and FC Internazionale at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 13, 2024. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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.”
Marseille’s Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez reacts during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and FC Nantes at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France on August 20, 2022. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
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.