Sanchez set for Chile trip

Barcelona have given Alexis Sanchez permission to return to Chile as part of his rehabilitation from his thigh injury. Sanchez injured his thigh against Real Sociedad earlier this month and he is not expected to return until November. The injury means Sanchez misses Chile's opening World Cup qualifying clashes with Argentina and Peru, but he was still invited to join the squad by boss Claudio Borghi, a request which Barca have agreed to. "Alexis will be here with us from Monday," Borghi told Radio Agricultura. "He received special permission from Barcelona and will work with someone who will come especially from Spain." Meanwhile, Barcelona have confirmed that Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay will have surgery on Monday. The 25-year-old damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee earlier this week and is set to be sidelined for most of this season.