Chile forward Vargas to miss World Cup qualifiers
Oct 02, 2021
Santiago (Chile) Oct 2: Forward Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out of Chile's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Peru, Paraguay and Venezuela because of an ankle problem, the Chilean Professional Football Association (ANFP) said on Friday.
Vargas sustained the injury moments after scoring for Brazil's Atletico Mineiro in their 1-1 home draw with Palmeiras on Tuesday (September 28), a result that earned the Belo Horizonte side a berth in the Copa Libertadores final.
"[He] has significant limitation of movement and pain, which is why he underwent X-rays and an MRI scan," read an ANFP statement. "The diagnosis is a grade three right ankle sprain that involves the joint. His treatment will depend on his recovery, which is a decision that his club will make."
Vargas, 32, is Chile's second-highest scorer of all time with 40 goals in 102 international matches.
The Roja will play Peru in Lima on October 7 before hosting Paraguay and Venezuela on October 10 and 14 in Santiago.
Martin Lasarte's team are currently eighth in the 10-team South American zone qualifying standings with seven points from nine matches.
Source: Xinhua
