With just a few days before the official start of the World Cup, exclusions due to injury continue to afflict every team in the tournament. The latest victim was Chile, whose Vidal may not make a single appearance in the 2014 World Cup.
Today, Juventus' Arturo Vidal was sitting out for most of Chile's training
The Juventus midfielder underwent knee surgery last month and, in an attempt to test his knee in a friendly against Northern Ireland, the Chilean aggravated the injury. For now, the talented player will certainly be out against the Socceroos, but many speculate he will not play in the tournament at all.
Without a doubt Vidal is Chile's most talented and important player
Marcelo Diaz released a few statements with regards to the condition of his teammate. Basel’s talent stated:
“[Vidal is] very important but we know that with Chile, it’s a team effort. We have more players who can do just fine. It’s going to be defenders, midfielders and attackers who will cover the area [Vidal usually occupies].”
Marcelo Diaz will have to be extremely fit to help Chile cover the pockets occupied by Vidal
Also Mile Jedinak, Australia’s captain, talked about the possibility that Arturo Vidal may not play against them. The Socceroos’ skipper however is wary that Chile without their talented midfielder, is still a very dangerous team. Jedinak revealed:
“You go through their squad, he's one player – he's important yes but they have many players at a good level, especially in his position. They're very strong. We have to prepare for whether he's playing or not, we have to prepare for both scenarios.”
Despite Vidal's probable exclusion against his country, Jedinak did not seem very relaxed
Considering that Spain and the Netherlands complete the group, both Chile and Australia must win their opener to have the slightest of chances to survive the group-stages.
