Ankle injury to keep Chile's Fernandez out of World Cup

Santiago, Chile (SportsNetwork.com) - Midfielder Matias Fernandez will miss out on the 2014 World Cup for Chile due to an ankle injury that requires surgery.

Fernandez revealed that he has been playing through pain in his right ankle for some time, but that the only way to fix the problem was through immediate surgery.

The operation means that the Fiorentina midfielder will take no part in the tournament in Brazil after scoring three goals and chipping in three assists in 23 Serie A matches for the Viola this past season.

And his absence adds to the worry in midfield for Chile with Arturo Vidal still recovering from knee surgery, which leaves his status in doubt for the competition.

Chile will play its first match at the World Cup on June 13 against Australia before meeting Spain and the Netherlands in Group B play.