Alexis and Vidal doubts for Chile, says Sampaoli

Chile’s Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal remain doubts for Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil. The Arsenal forward has been in electric form of late after a slow start to the season, scoring six goals in his last three matches. However, he left the field before the end of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Manchester […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-10-08 12:07:00

Chile’s Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal remain doubts for Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil. The Arsenal forward has been in electric form of late after a slow start to the season, scoring six goals in his last three matches. However, he left the field before the end of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday with a tight groin muscle. This had cast some doubt over his participation in Chile’s World Cup qualifying match against Brazil.

His manager Arsene Wenger ruefully admitted that he was powerless to prevent his forward from joining up with his national side, stating, "He has a little groin problem," he said. “Unfortunately he goes to Chile. You cannot stop him from going to Chile and he loves so much to play for his country and they play against Brazil and Peru next Tuesday so the game at home against Brazil he will not want to miss. Hopefully he will come back in good shape."

Meanwhile, Arturo Vidal has been suffering with a knee problem that has kept him out of Bayern’s starting line-up recently. In his press conference on Wednesday, La Rojas coach Jorge Sampaoli cast doubt over the participation of both players, "Neither can say they are confirmed for the game against Brazil." Sampaoli suggested that tests showed Vidal is playing with "a manageable injury," but said he was closer to not being fit than being available, "Arturo I see as very distant [from recovery]. Not training makes me think that he is closer to not be playing."

Meanwhile, Sampaoli confirmed that Alexis spent training in recovery and physiotherapy for his groin problem. The Copa América holders are already without Charles Aránguiz who has a knee injury. The beginning of the CONMEBOL qualifying rounds this week is notable for the absence of plenty of key players, with Neymar, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani all suspended and Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez injured. Facing a Chile side shorn of Vidal, Aránguiz and Alexis would represent a boost for Brazil.

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sambafoot_admin
Oct 07, 2015