Chile Manager Says Alexis Sanchez Could Be Out 'For 2 or 3 Months'
Oct 14, 2019
ALICANTE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 12: Alexis Sanchez of Chile runs with the ball during the International friendly match between Colombia and Chile at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on October 12, 2019 in Alicante, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Chile manager Reinaldo Rueda said on Monday that Alexis Sanchez may need to undergo surgery and could miss up to three months of action after suffering an ankle injury against Colombia on Saturday.
Rueda told reporters that Sanchez's club side, Inter Milan, will now decide how best to proceed with the forward, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Manchester United in August.
"He could end up under the knife. Inter, his club, will decide," he said. "We could lose him for two or three months. It's a shame because he had started playing again with Inter and scored two goals while also playing in the Champions League. He was happy and super motivated. Now we have to wait for these decisive hours."
Sanchez picked up the injury in a challenge from Juan Cuadrado during their friendly and has been diagnosed by the Football Federation of Chile as having suffered a "dislocation of the tendons" in the left ankle, per Football Italia.
The news will be a fresh setback to the forward, who has endured a miserable time since leaving Arsenal for Manchester United in January 2018. Sanchez struggled with poor form and injuries during his spell at Old Trafford and managed just five goals in 45 appearances for the Red Devils.
Journalist Tom McDermott has described his signing as one of the worst of all time:
Still ongoing, the Sanchez #MUFC deal has to be up there with the worst in football history.
The 30-year-old moved to Inter Milan in September on a loan deal until the end of June. Manchester United are believed to be "subsidising" his weekly wages of £400,000 a week, according to BBC Sport.
Sanchez had enjoyed an eventful start to life in Serie A. His first start for his new club saw him score and get sent off in a 3-1 Serie A win over Sampdoria:
He started again in Inter's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. He produced an assist and put in a lively showing against his former team at the Camp Nou.
Yet Inter may have to wait to see Sanchez in action again. The injury will be a source of frustration for both club and player, who will be hoping he can get his career back on track in Italy.
Copa America 2019: Odds, TV Schedule, Live Stream, Prediction for Monday Match
Jun 17, 2019
photo released by Photosport via Aton showing Chile's Jose Fuenzalida (L) celebrating with teammate Arturo Vidal after scoring against Haiti during the friendly match held at the La Portada stadium in La Serena, Chile, on June 06, 2019. (Photo by ANDRES PINA / Photosport Chile / AFP) / Chile OUT / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT
Chile will begin their Copa America defence against guest team Japan on Monday at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
La Roja are the two-time reigning South American champions after winning the tournament back-to-back in 2015 and 2016.
Meanwhile, Japan are making their second appearance as an invited team, having also participated in the 1999 edition.
Date: Monday, June 17
Time: 8 p.m. local (7 p.m. ET, 12 a.m. BST Tuesday)
Japan have named a young squad and are evidently using the tournament as a way to get valuable experience ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Only five players are older than 22, and only seven of their 23 players have been capped at all.
Much of their experience will come from Shinji Okazaki, who has 50 goals in 116 appearances for the Samurai Blue, and goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who has 88 caps to his name.
Otherwise, all eyes will be on 18-year-old Takefusa Kubo, who has just joined Real Madrid from FC Tokyo.
Scouted Football ran the rule over the promising youngster:
Before he makes the move to Madrid, Kubo is going to the Copa América.
Japan - one of two guest teams at the tournament - have taken a young squad to South America; it seems likely that he'll get some minutes in Brazil. He only made his senior international debut last Sunday. pic.twitter.com/0ETsvpqecB
Chile's squad is almost the polar opposite to Japan's, with six players boasting more than 100 international appearances apiece.
Only one player is under the age of 24—goalkeeper Yerko Urra, 22, who is likely to be their third choice—and eight are 30 or older.
Chile will hope their experienced side can take them to a historic victory:
2 - Chile 🇨🇱 have won each of the last two Copa America tournaments (2015 and 2016) – if they win on this occasion, they will be just the second team to win three in a row, after Argentina in 1945, 1946 and 1947. Dream.#CopaAmericapic.twitter.com/SDY8P5xll7
However, many of their best players, such as Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, are now past their prime. They failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last year as a result.
It seems unlikely therefore that they will win the Copa for a third tournament running.
Their experience should give them an edge over a Japan side that includes many players tasting senior international football for the first time, though.
Prediction: Japan 0-2 Chile
Arturo Vidal Won't Retire from International Football After Chile's Elimination
Oct 11, 2017
Chile's Arturo Vidal gestures during the 2018 World Cup qualifier football match against Paraguay, in Santiago, on August 31, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Martin BERNETTI (Photo credit should read MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has insisted he has not retired from international football contrary to reports.
Following Chile's defeat to Brazil on Tuesday and subsequent confirmation they will not take part in next summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia, a message from Vidal on social media was assumed to confirm his retirement from La Roja duty, per Sky Sports.
But, in another bulletin on Twitter, he was adamant he will continue to accept call-ups from the Copa America champions:
Un guerrero puede llorar, sentir temor y hasta decepcionarse, pero jamás se rinde ni abandona hasta la muerte!!!!💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼👊🏼👊🏼🇨🇱 pic.twitter.com/cpJKKwxHMj
"This is a very difficult time, and here we will see who's strongest," read a section of the statement, per Ben Valentine of Goal. "Chile is a team of warriors, I feel proud to belong to this squad. And I will not abandon them. We will go together to the end. Every time I am called I will be available for my national team. Our national team."
The news will be a small boost for Chile supporters after Tuesday's surrender against Brazil. La Roja were uncharacteristically passive in a 3-0 loss and subsequently finished down in sixth place in CONMEBOL qualifying.
For Vidal and this set of players, the result represents a rare disappointment, as the team have been on the rise for a while now.
In 2015, they won the Copa America for their first time in their history and did so on home soil. The following summer they repeated the trick in a special edition of the competition, celebrating its centenary.
Vidal has been one of the key components of these triumphs. As noted by Squawka Football, he's been sensational for the South Americans down the years:
The Bayern Munich midfielder epitomises the manner in which this Chile side operate. His work rate and application are incredible, while he's tactically astute and technically brilliant.
Additionally, Vidal has grown into a leader at the hub of the team and is considered by plenty to be one of the most rounded footballers on the planet.
Chile's Arturo Vidal celebrates with the trophy after winning the Copa America Centenario final by defeating Argentina in the penalty shoot-out in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP / Don EMMERT (Photo credit shoul
The decision to remain part of the setup is a big one for the 30-year-old, as travelling back and forth to South America does take its toll.
Still, it appears as though Vidal feels he still has a lot to accomplish in a Chile jersey. A century of caps is not far away, while La Roja will want to make it three in a row at the Copa America in 2019 in Brazil.
Given Vidal's mindset, physicality and quality, it would be no surprise to see him leading Chile's charge at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar either.
Doctors Watch Portugal vs. Chile Confederations Cup Shootout During Surgery
Jun 29, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DmESA6Zj3A
It appears those with office jobs aren't the only individuals who take breaks during a work day to watch a sporting event.
As Andrew Colley of the Mirror explained, a group of doctors and other medical personnel in Chile watched Wednesday's shootout between the country's national team and Portugal during the semifinal round of the Confederations Cup while in the middle of surgery.
Multiple individuals can be seen celebrating Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo's stopping Joao Moutinho's penalty while the patient lay seemingly unconscious on an operating table.
Per Colley, those responsible for performing the surgery could find themselves in hot water following an investigation.
Chile won the shootout, 3-0, and will play Germany on Sunday.
Chile Beat Portugal in Shootout to Advance to 2017 Confederations Cup Final
Jun 28, 2017
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, gestures next to Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo during the Confederations Cup, semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Chile, at the Kazan Arena, Russia, Wednesday, June 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)
Claudio Bravo made three straight saves in a penalty shootout to help Chile reach the final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup at the expense of Portugal on Wednesday.
Manchester City goalkeeper Bravo saved from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani in the shootout, after the two teams could only manage a 0-0 draw following extra time at the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia.
Penalties were needed but only after Chile were denied what looked like a clear spot-kick and also hit the woodwork twice during the extra period. La Roja will now await the winner of Thursday's semi-final between Germany and Mexico.
Portugal's team had a familiar look, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line for an experienced squad, per the tournament's official Twitter account:
Typically, it was Sanchez who exerted his influence early. The classy forward slid through a quality reverse pass for Eduardo Vargas, but Rui Patricio was off his line quickly to save.
At the other end, new AC Milan striker Adrian Silva wasted a great chance when one-on-one with La Roja stopper Bravo. To his credit, the much-maligned City 'keeper had reacted decisively.
Unfortunately, the early chances did not auger for an exciting and wide-open first half of attacking football. Instead, the game quickly descended into pragmatism, with both teams cagey and defensively stout.
What summed up the more reserved fare was how the normally forward-thinking Vidal was content to sit deep and shield the Chile back line.
Meanwhile, Portugal kept things tight in midfield to cut off the supply to Sanchez and Vargas. In fairness, the tactic was carried out expertly by Sporting Lisbon's holding player Adrien Silva, who was applauded by Jan Hagen of Metro and Sport Witness for his efforts during the opening 45 minutes:
Adrien with a superb half. I love how he times his best performances for the biggest occasions, like the Croatia & Wales games at the Euros. pic.twitter.com/PmPMG6q4Y6
Things barely loosened up after the break, but La Roja did spurn an excellent chance when Vidal misguided a header instead of finding the net. His miss made extra time necessary, and it was soon Sanchez's turn to wast a glorious headed opportunity.
Arsenal's star attacker was involved in some controversy in extra time when another astute pass freed Francisco Silva in behind. He appeared to be felled by West Ham United centre-back Jose Fonte in the box, but the referee waved away Chile's calls for a spot-kick.
However, the VAR officials opted against encouraging the referee to review the incident, despite it looking like a clear penalty.
Justice could have been done when Silva rolled the ball back for Vidal to hit, but the midfielder's shot crashed off the post. So did the rebound from Silva's fellow sub Martin Rodriguez.
Iran's referee Alireza Faghani gestures towards Portugal's defender Jose Fonte (2R) during the 2017 Confederations Cup semi-final football match between Portugal and Chile at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Roman Kruchinin
The astonishing double miss made penalties necessary. Vidal, Charles Aranguiz and Sanchez scored, but the hero was Bravo, whose hat-trick of saves booked a place in the final, while ensuring Ronaldo, who was fifth in line to take for Portugal, didn't get a chance.
Bravo has been under pressure at club level, but the 34-year-old has consistently delivered when it matters for his nation.
Arturo Vidal Calls Cristiano Ronaldo a 'Smart Ass' Ahead of Portugal vs. Chile
Jun 27, 2017
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 12: David Alaba of Munich , Arturo Vidal of Munich and Philipp Lahm of Munich and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid CF at Allianz Arena on April 12, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has branded Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo a "smart ass" ahead of their meeting in the semi-final of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday.
Having progressed through the group stage of the tournament in Russia, the South American and European champions will go head-to-head in what should be an absorbing game. And it's a match that is likely to contain some needle now too, with Vidal offering a candid assessment of Ronaldo.
"Cristiano is a smart ass," he said to reporters in Russia, per Luke Augustus of MailOnline. "For me he does not exist. I have already told my Bayern Munich team-mate [and Germany international] Joshua Kimmich that we will meet again in the final!"
The pair don't appear to have any past history, although the Real Madrid striker did bring an end to Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League chances earlier this term.
In the first leg of a memorable quarter-final tie, Vidal put Bayern ahead before a Ronaldo brace gave Real Madrid a crucial 2-1 away win.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Muenchen at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 18, 2017 in Madr
Both men were involved in the second leg too, as Los Blancos eventually emerged as 4-2 winners after extra time on the night, with Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick; Vidal was controversially given his marching orders in the game.
It is difficult to call who will come out on top in what should be a brilliant semi-final. As noted by Squawka Football, both men have a tremendous record on the international stage:
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 60 competitive international goals; more than any other European player in history.
At the tournament so far, Chile have played out draws against Germany and Australia either side of a comprehensive 2-0 win over Cameroon, a game in which Vidal bagged the opener.
Portugal drew their first game 2-2 against Mexico, although wins over Russia and New Zealand saw them top Group A. Ronaldo has netted in both of their victories so far.
Chile Makes 2017 Confederations Cup Knockout Stage with Draw vs. Australia
Jun 25, 2017
Chile's Alexis Sanchez, right, escapes Australia's Jackson Irvine during the Confederations Cup, Group B soccer match between Chile and Australia, at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Sunday, June 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Chile drew 1-1 with Australia in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday to qualify for the knockout stage from Group B.
James Troisi gave Australia a shock lead shortly before half-time, but half-time substitute Martin Rodriguez grabbed the equaliser after 67 minutes.
The Socceroos faded in the second half as Chile's quality finally trickled through after a quiet performance.
La Roja will play Portugal in the last four on Wednesday.
Australia freshened up its starting XI, making six replacements, including veteran Tim Cahill. Chile also rang the changes, as they made five amendments to their side, drafting in Jose Fuenzalida and Francisco Silva in a 4-3-3.
The Chileans appeared keen in the opening moments, but the Aussies fought their way back into the game after losing territory.
Australia played with a high intensity that unsettled their opponents, and Troisi was the hero. The goal was thoroughly deserved after a subdued first-half performance by Chile.
Cahill rolled back the years to cause issues for the Chilean side, and the Aussies appeared the much better unit as they pressed.
Chile fought back after the restart but found it difficult to stop the waves of attacks.
Despite Australia's confidence in defence, Chile pegged back their opponents with Rodriguez's goal. The 22-year-old bundled the ball over the line to claim a scrappy effort to level the match.
The strike triggered fatigue in the Australians, and La Roja quickly worked their way into controlling the tempo of proceedings.
Socceroos substitute Jamie MacLaren should have regained the lead against the run of play, but he shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Rodriguez immediately countered as Chile hunted a winner, but the winger blasted high and wide as he lost composure.
Australia were clearly spent in the final part of the match after the physical display that had hurt Chile's initial ambitions.
It was the Chileans, however, who advanced as runners-up in the group, and Australia were eliminated.
Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez Push Chile Past Cameroon at 2017 Confederations Cup
Jun 18, 2017
Chile's Arturo Vidal celebrates after scoring during the Confederations Cup, Group B soccer match between Cameroon and Chile, at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Sunday, June 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Arturo Vidal's header nine minutes from time helped Chile to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in Group B of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday.
Vidal was teed up by Alexis Sanchez, who started the game on the bench while he nursed an ankle injury. Eduardo Vargas wrapped up the win with a neat finish in stoppage time, which must have felt like justice after he hit the post in the first minute and had a goal chalked off for offside during the opening half.
The big team news was Arsenal forward Sanchez didn't start because of an ankle problem, per James Benge of the London Evening Standard. Even without their talisman, La Roja were still brimming with quality, with Bayern Munich ace Vidal at the heart of midfield, per FIFA.com.
Meanwhile, Besiktas striker Vincent Aboubakar led Cameroon.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Alexis Sanchez of Chile looks on during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B match between Cameroon and Chile at Spartak Stadium on June 18, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
With Sanchez watching on, Chile started brightly, as Vargas hit the post inside 60 seconds. Not deterred, La Roja continued to probe, with Vidal and classy schemer Marcelo Diaz pulling the strings in midfield.
Cameroon had goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa to thank for keeping them in it, as the 21-year-old stopper made several saves to frustrate Vargas, Vidal and Co. Ondoa was called into action so often because his nation simply couldn't get their passing going.
Chile thought the lead was finally theirs a minute before the break, only for Vargas' effort to be ruled out for offside after video review. It meant for all their dominance, La Roja went in goalless at the half.
Ondoa made his share of smart saves.
Sanchez came off the bench two minutes short of the hour mark with Chile still struggling to create clear-cut chances. Charles Aranguiz made way for Francisco Silva as Chile sought more creativity.
Meanwhile, Cameroon were struggling for width, with the Indomitable Lions not getting much from Christian Bassogog. Aboubakar was also quiet up top, as Cameroon struggled to release him between the lines.
While Cameroon lacked inspiration, La Roja found it from a familiar source when Sanchez crossed for Vidal to nod in the winner. As Squawka Football detailed, Vidal has established a niche for scoring at the international level:
Arturo Vidal has now scored 23 goals in 91 caps for Chile. Great record from midfield. 🇨🇱 pic.twitter.com/D7IM9Wxd6Y
Vargas doubled the lead in stoppage time to give Chile the margin of victory their commanding performance merited.
La Roja can play better, but they have still proved there is enough quality in the final third to make them major contenders as the tournament progresses.
Alexis Sanchez Scores Brilliant Free-Kick for Chile Against Venezuela
The Arsenal and Chile star may have been in the news lately for the wrong reasons during the start of the international break, but he let out a bit of frustration in the best way possible against Venezuela on Tuesday in a CONMEBOL qualifier at home.
