Sanchez talks up hot Chile

Alexis Sanchez believes Chile’s quality means they are capable of beating any national team.

Chile have something of a baptism of fire ahead of them to kick off their CONMEBOL 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, with a difficult trip to face Argentina on October 7.

La Rioja’s 2011 Copa America campaign ended at the hands of Venezuela at the quarter-final stage in July, but Sanchez – in his homeland to continue his recovery from a hamstring injury – has full confidence in his national team-mates.

“Chile have the team to beat anyone,” the Barcelona forward told AS.

The 22-year-old, who has been out of action since September, will miss Chile’s trip to Buenos Aires and the subsequent match against Peru four days later.

The former Udinese ace sustained the injury in his Barca’s 2-2 La Liga draw against Real Sociedad on September 10.

He has been accompanied to Chile by one of Barcelona’s first-team physios, who will supervise his recovery program.

Sanchez featured in both the 5-4 Supercopa aggregate win over Real Madrid and the 2-0 European Supercup victory against Porto in his first weeks at the Catalan giants.

He has scored once in two La Liga appearances so far.