‘Vidal should rest until July 7’

The doctor who operated on Arturo Vidal’s knee says he should not return to playing before July 7 ‘or risk a relapse’.

The Juventus midfielder underwent a procedure on an injured meniscus at the start of May but has already returned to the field for Chile in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, as part of World Cup preparations.

The doctor who operated on Arturo Vidal’s knee says he should not return to playing before July 7 ‘or risk a relapse’.

The Juventus midfielder underwent a procedure on an injured meniscus at the start of May but has already returned to the field for Chile in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, as part of World Cup preparations.

The South Americans’ Coach Jorge Sampaoli has commented recently on his ‘surprise’ at the progress the 27-year-old has made and hinted that he could be in line to feature for Chile’s opening Group B fixture with Australia on June 13.

However, Chilean newspaper El Mercurio are running quotes from the surgeon who operated on Vidal, advising caution in his recovery.

“If you were to play Arturo Vidal before July 7, before he has had two months after surgery on the meniscus in his right knee, he will likely relapse,” Professor Ramon Cugat is quoted as saying.