National soccer team rests up as coach considers Jorge Valdivia for upcoming match against Argentina

To see international photos, click here

SANTIAGO.- After a 0-1 defeat in Quito, Ecuador, the Chilean National Soccer Team returned to Santiago early this morning, where they will now have to focus on preparing for their upcoming confrontation with Argentina this Wednesday.

Following a bit of down time, the national team will resume practice at the Juan Pinto Durán athletic complex, facing the forced absences of Alexis Sánchez, Gonzalo Jara, Ismael Fuentes and Roberto Cereceda.

Waldo Ponce, Marco Estrada and Jean Beausejour have now become the most likely options to join the group of 11 starters which, according to statements made by Coach Marcelo Bielsa himself following this Sunday's game, could also include winger Jorge Valdivia.

During a press conference held at the Atahualpa Stadium yesterday, Coach Bielsa stated that he "missed" Jorge Valdivia –who now plays for Club Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates- indicating that he could be called on to start at Wednesday's match.

Meanwhile, the Argentine team is scheduled to arrive in Santiago on Tuesday of this week sans players Juan Román Riquelme and playmaker Carlos Tévez.