Jorge Valdivia seeks leave from Chile duty

Santiago: Jorge Valdivia has sought permission from Chile's football federation to miss the national team's upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Iran.

Brazilian club Palmeiras, where Valdivia plays, coach Oswaldo de Oliveira said that the Chilean had asked for more time to recover from a left thigh injury that has sidelined him since December, reports Xinhua.

"He asked the club to help him in his request to miss (international duty). He doesn't want to play for Chile before returning here. I think that's great. I hope that his request is accepted," Oliveira said on Sunday.

Chile will play Iran at Sankt Polten, Austria, on March 26 before confronting Brazil in London three days later.

Valdivia, capped 61 times for Chile, has been plagued by muscle injuries in recent seasons. Oliveira said the 31-year-old was yet to resume full training with Palmeiras.

"In two weeks he will be fit. It's fundamental that he stays with us so that he can focus on his recuperation," Oliveira added.