David Ospina blunder ends Chile and Alexis Sanchez's hopes of qualifying for 2018 World Cup

In a bizarre twist of fate, it fell to Ospina of Colombia to land the hammer blow that would end Chile and Sanchez's hopes of appearing in next summer’s competition

Chile missed out on the chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup (Getty)

Things are about to get somewhat awkward at Arsenal’s training ground.

Alexis Sanchez may feel he already has more than enough reasons to leave the club but the forward has seemingly been handed another one after his Chile side missed out on a World Cup play-off spot late last night – thanks to no other than Arsenal teammate David Ospina.

Despite trailing in their own World Cup qualifier against group winners Brazil, Chile were on course to clinch the sole play-off spot in the 10-team South American qualifying group thanks to the complex permutations at play.

But in a bizarre twist of fate, it fell to Ospina of Colombia to land the hammer blow that would end Chile and Sanchez’s hopes of appearing in next summer’s competition.

With 14 minutes on the clock and a goal behind, Peru were awarded an indirect free-kick against visitors Colombia.

Paolo Guerrero opted to shoot straight at goal, flummoxing Arsenal and Colombia goalkeeper Ospina who could only palm the ball into his own net.

In making contact with Guerrero’s ‘indirect’ strike, Ospina ensured the goal was legal as it had touched another player en route to the back of his net.

Ospina concedes against Paraguay on Saturday (Getty)

Had the Arsenal man simply stood and let the ball fly past him then the goal would not have stood and Sanchez’s Chile could still have a chance of appearing in Russia.

Although Colombia have booked their place at the 2018 World Cup, it’s been a less-than-convincing campaign for Ospina who has struggled for consistency.

Prior to last night’s questionable decision-making, the Colombian notably gifted Paraguay victory on Saturday after two avoidable mistakes.