Alexis Sánchez’s hopes of reviving his career away from Manchester United have been dealt a fresh setback after the Chile striker was ruled out until the new year through injury.

Sánchez was hoping a successful spell on loan at Inter Milan this season would enhance his prospects of a permanent move from Old Trafford next summer.

But Sánchez has now been sidelined for up to three months after undergoing ankle surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday morning after damaging the peroneus longus tendon during Chile’s goalless draw with Colombia at the weekend.

Sánchez, 30, who has been plagued by poor form and fitness problems over the past two years, underwent the operation on his left ankle at the Quironsalud hospital in Barcelona after assessment by Dr Ramon Cugat, the surgeon favoured by Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.

Inter confirmed in a statement that the surgery had been a success although Sánchez’s lengthy lay-off now reduces the window the player now has to rediscover his form in the hope of encouraging a buyer next summer.

With no release clause in his agreement with Inter, Sánchez will remain with the Italian club until the end of the season. Inter are paying around £175,000 of Sánchez’s basic weekly wage of £391,000 a week.