Vidal not to be excluded from Chile team -Sampaoli

Midfielder Arturo Vidal will stay in the team said Chile's coach Jorge Sampaoli on Wednesday after the player was released from custody.

"Arturo Vidal made a mistake which isn't too serious. I don't think it's as major as some have said," said Sampaoli during a news conference.

"Hopefully the group understand that this is not because of Vidal but because there are reactions that we have to correct," justified the Argentinian who has managed Chile since 2012.

Chile and Juventus midfielder Vidal was freed around midday local time (15:00 GMT) on Wednesday with a caution after being involved in a car accident on Tuesday night while under the influence of alcohol.

The player crashed into the back of another vehicle on the outskirts of Santiago after visiting a casino with his wife and friends.

"Vidal's situation would be the same if he were any other player," said Sampaoli as suspicion surrounding the coach's decision, which benefits Chile's best player in the international tournament, began to arise.

Chile will face Bolivia on Friday to distinguish the leader of Group A in the Copa America which also includes Mexico and Ecuador.

Vidal has been Chile's best player to date in the competition and is also currently the tournament's top goal scorer with three goals in two matches.

The Chile team had the afternoon off on Tuesday but all players should have arrived at the training camp before 23:00 local time (02:00 GMT) that evening to prepare for the final match of the first phase of the tournament. Endi