Arsenal news: Gunners handed major Christmas boost as Alexis Sanchez is left out of Chile squad for China Cup

Sanchez has not been named in Chile's squad for the for the inagural tournament which takes place between January 10 and January 15

Sanchez won't travel to China next month with his home nation (Getty)

Arsenal have been handed a major boost ahead of the hectic festive period after it was announced that Alexis Sanchez won’t be joining Chile for January’s China Cup.

The club had looked set for a fresh row with the Chilean FA after the Copa America champions confirmed their involvement in the inaugural competition last month.

But the forward has not been named in the national side's squad for the four-team tournament which features China, Croatia and Iceland, with games to be played between January 10 and January 15.

It’s understood that national sides cannot compel players to leave their clubs in January so there’s every chance Arsenal refused to let Sanchez leave.

With the Chilean now set to remain in England throughout the Christmas months, it’s been reported that the club are contemplating handing the Chilean a winter break to stop him from burning out.

The 27-year-old has not had a free summer to relax and recuperate for the past three years, having featured in two Copa Americas and the 2014 World Cup.

But when asked last month about the prospect of a winter break, Sanchez did not seem too keen.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: “He told me to rest, but I don’t like to rest.

“Neither in the matches. I don’t like to be out, I get upset, I go home sad, because I train to play, I rest to play.

“It’s my job and I do everything to perform at 100 per cent.”