Chile hit with blow on eve of World Cup as star midfielder Matias Fernandez pulls out with injury

MIDFIELDER Matias Fernandez will miss the World Cup in another injury blow for Chile who take on the Socceroos first-up.

CHILE midfielder Matias Fernandez needs surgery on his right ankle and will miss the World Cup, another injury blow for the talented South Americans who take on the Socceroos first-up.

Fernandez, who plays in Italy with Fiorentina, said he would be unable to play in Brazil in three weeks.

Matias Fernandez is a key absentee for the Chileans.

He said the ankle pain had been there for a long time, and only immediate surgery would fix the problem.

Another key midfielder, Arturo Vidal of Italian club Juventus, recently underwent right-knee surgery and is uncertain to make the World Cup. However, team doctors at Juventus have said they are confident he will play.

Chile plays its first match on June 14 (EST) against Australia.

It also faces reigning world and European champion Spain, as well as the Netherlands in Group B.

Originally published as Chile hit with blow on eve of World Cup as star midfielder Matias Fernandez pulls out with injury