Arsenal star Sanchez set for major Chile role - Sampaoli

Alexis Sanchez will be treated with caution by Chile but he is still set to play a key role in the nation's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, head coach Jorge Sampaoli has said.

The Arsenal attacker has had an up-and-down 2015-16 campaign since helping his country to Copa America glory in the close-season.

After failing to score in his first six Premier League games, Sanchez had a flurry of six goals in three league matches. Now, though he is on a run of five fixtures without a goal in all competitions.

Arsene Wenger has spoken publicly about the 26-year-old's risk of burnout, describing him as "exhausted" and lamenting the lack of opportunities to rest him due to the Gunners' important run of fixtures.

Following Wenger's recent spat with Wales boss Chris Coleman over an injury to Aaron Ramsey suffered on an international duty, Sampaoli chose his words carefully while praising his player's condition. 

The Chile boss said: "Alexis will be treated with caution but he is eager to play and gave his all in training. 

"From what I saw Alexis looked very well, in an incredible moment. I am excited to see if he can translate that energy because if Alexis does what he knows how to do on the pitch, we will have many possibilities to win."