Vidal, Bravo named in Chile squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal and Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo were among 17 foreign-based players named in Chile's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Uruguay.

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi also included Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, Hoffenheim attacker Eduardo Vargas and Inter Milan defender Gary Medel, reports Xinhua news agency.

But there was no place for veteran midfielder Jorge Valdivia, who was dropped from the squad that lost to Ecuador and beat Peru last month.

Pizzi will complement the squad with up to seven Chile-based players in the coming days.

The reigning Copa America champions will play Colombia in Barranquilla on September 10 before a clash with Uruguay in Santiago five days later.

Chile are currently fifth in the South American zone standings with 16 points from 10 matches.

The top four teams at the end of qualifying will secure a direct berth at the 2018 World Cup in Russia while the fifth-ranked side will earn a play-off spot.

Chile squad:

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Manchester City)

Defenders: Eugenio Mena (Sao Paulo), Gary Medel (Inter Milan), Mauricio Isla (Cagliari), Enzo Roco (Cruz Azul), Francisco Silva (Cruz Azul), Miiko Albornoz (Hannover 96), Erick Pulgar (Bologna).

Midfielders: Arturo Vidal (Bayern de Munique), Charles Aranguiz (Bayer Leverkusen), Marcelo Diaz (Celta de Vigo), Felipe Gutierrez (Real Betis), Pedro Pablo Hernandez (Celta Vigo).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal), Eduardo Vargas (Hoffenheim), Edson Puch (Necaxa), Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo).

--IANS

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