World Soccer News logo


Injury-plagued Salas and Pizarro in Chile squad

First Published: Oct 31, 2003

Marcelo Salas and David Pizarro were included in Chile's squad for two South American World Cup qualifiers next month though both have been struggling with injury.

Coach Juvenal Olmos selected 27 players, including River Plate striker Salas and Udinese midfielder Pizarro, for matches against Uruguay in Montevideo on November 15 and against Paraguay in Santiago three days later.

Salas, who returned to River Plate from Juventus in July, was selected despite recently suffering a recurrence of an old hamstring injury.

Pizarro however has still not fully recovered from muscular problems but Olmos is banking on him being match fit in the next few weeks.

Chile faired well in their first two qualifiers, drawing 2-2 with Argentina in Buenos Aires and beating Peru 2-1 in Santiago.