Sanchez blames injury fears for faltering form

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez says the fear of picking up another injury is the reason for his hit-and-miss form this season.

The Chile international spent two months on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury in November’s 1-1 draw at Norwich City.

Sanchez scored 16 Premier League goals in his debut campaign at Arsenal last season, but has just eight to his name this term.

His strike in the 4-0 win over Watford on Saturday was his first league goal at Emirates Stadium since October and only his third goal in all competitions since returning to action in January.

And the former Barcelona star admits that concerns over another spell on the sidelines have played on his mind.

“Before my injury I was 100 per cent fit. I was feeling well,” he told Premier League World.

“After the injury I wanted to get back but it was hard.

“I had a setback and when I played a match, I was scared I would get injured again because the thing I like most in the world is playing football and when I can’t play, I feel sad.”

The Gunners face a huge battle to avoid a trophy-less season as they sit 11 points behind league leaders Leicester City, but Sanchez still harbours ambitions to win medals at Arsenal.

“I think I have adapted well to the club but I am never satisfied with what I do. I want to win the Premier League, the Champions League. I always want to win everything,” he said.

“Football is my passion, my life and I always want to win.

“If I lose, I always go home sad, I can’t sleep and that upsets me. When I win, my team-mates are happy and enjoy their families the next day. Football is my life.”