Alexis Sanchez did his best to inspire Chile against Argentina (Picture: Getty)
Alexis Sanchez did his best to inspire Chile against Argentina (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez was on the losing side as Chile took on Argentina in a World Cup qualifier – but it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

The 28-year-old played 90 minutes as Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side succumbed to a 1-0 defeat after Lionel Messi’s penalty.

Arsene Wenger was concerned about Sanchez’s fitness in the build-up to the match but the winger managed a full match despite his ankle being in a ‘terrible state’ after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to West Brom.

And the winger came close to getting his team a crucial point when he crashed the crossbar with a powerful free-kick from 25 yards midway through the second half.