Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez left out of Chile squad

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has been left out of Chile's squad for two friendlies next month.

The Red Devils sit 13th in the table after back-to-back defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, their worst start to a Premier League campaign since the inaugural season in 1992-93.

Chile, meanwhile, are preparing for friendlies in the Far East against Japan and South Korea, a potential 10,000 mile round trip for Sanchez.

Coach Reinaldo Rueda is quoted by Sky Sports News as claiming that such a trip would be "exhausting" for the Roja talisman.

The 61-year-old added that United "need him in a difficult moment" despite his country's matches in Sapporo on September 7 and Seoul four days later.

Sanchez, 29, is Chile's record scorer and most-capped player.