Alexis Sanchez should be fit for return against Manchester United

Arsene Wenger had feared the star would miss up to six weeks

ARSENAL have been handed a massive boost with Alexis Sanchez declaring that he should be fit for the Gunners’ Old Trafford clash next Saturday.

There had been fears that the star would miss up to six weeks because of a muscle injury, but the 27-year-old should now be ready to face Manchester United.

However, it’s not all rosy for Arsenal fans as Sanchez has confirmed he will stay with the Chile squad and risk further harm by facing Uruguay next Tuesday.

Sanchez told El Mercuro: “It is hurting a bit but I’m fine.

“I’ll be back for [the Uruguay game] Tuesday.”

Chile manager Juan Antonio Pizzi confirmed that Sanchez – who has eight goals and five assists in 15 Arsenal matches this season – would remain with the squad, despite some reports that Arsene Wenger was seeking to bring him home early.

Arsenal travel to their rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, giving Sanchez just three days to recover from a 7,200 mile trip back from Santiago.

Hector Bellerin withdrew from the Spain Under-21 squad this week, but is expected to face Manchester United.

Santi Cazorla is a doubt for the Gunners, although has a chance to return.

Danny Welbeck and Lucas Perez remain long-term problems.