Belo Horizonte: A 23-man Chile squad, including midfielder Arturo Vidal, has arrived in Brazil as the team starts preparations for its opening FIFA World Cup match against Australia.
The Juventus star had been a major doubt for the tournament after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to his right knee in Barcelona a month ago, reports Xinhua.
But he made an unexpected return as a late substitute in Chile's 2-0 friendly victory over Northern Ireland Wednesday.
A bus carrying La Roja's squad Thursday was escorted by several police cars and a helicopter for the 35km journey from the airport to the team's hotel.
Jorge Sampaoli's side have been drawn in Group B alongside Spain, the Netherlands and Australia.
They will begin their campaign against Ange Postecoglou's Socceroos in the western city of Cuiaba June 13.
