SANTIAGO, Aug. 30 -- Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said Wednesday he could hand starting berths to forwards Nicolas Castillo and Esteban Paredes in the team's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Bolivia.

Both have played minor roles for the Roja in their qualification campaign so far, but have hit form for their respective clubs in recent weeks.

"They are taking their opportunities when they come and that gives us more options," Pizzi told a news conference. "I hope they continue that form tomorrow."

Castillo, 24, has scored five goals in his past seven outings for Mexican top flight club Pumas UNAM.

Meanwhile Paredes, 37, has netted 92 goals in 124 matches for Colo-Colo since 2024 and bagged a hat-trick in the team's 4-1 victory over Universidad on Sunday.

Pizzi said he did not know if talismanic forward Alexis Sanchez would leave Arsenal before the close of the transfer window on Thursday.

But he denied that speculation about his future was unsettling the former Barcelona player.

"He is very well, happy. It's difficult to know what will happen to Alexis until the transfer window closes. Whichever option he chooses will be good for him," Pizzi said.

Chile are currently fourth in the 10-team South American zone qualifying standings with four matches remaining.

The top four sides at the end of the qualifying campaign will earn an automatic berth at the World Cup in Russia next year while the fifth-ranked outfit will book a playoff spot.

Pizzi's team will host Paraguay in Santiago on Thursday followed by an away clash against Bolivia five days later.

SANTIAGO, Aug. 30 -- Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said Wednesday he could hand starting berths to forwards Nicolas Castillo and Esteban Paredes in the team's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Bolivia.

Both have played minor roles for the Roja in their qualification campaign so far, but have hit form for their respective clubs in recent weeks.

"They are taking their opportunities when they come and that gives us more options," Pizzi told a news conference. "I hope they continue that form tomorrow."

Castillo, 24, has scored five goals in his past seven outings for Mexican top flight club Pumas UNAM.

Meanwhile Paredes, 37, has netted 92 goals in 124 matches for Colo-Colo since 2024 and bagged a hat-trick in the team's 4-1 victory over Universidad on Sunday.

Pizzi said he did not know if talismanic forward Alexis Sanchez would leave Arsenal before the close of the transfer window on Thursday.

But he denied that speculation about his future was unsettling the former Barcelona player.

"He is very well, happy. It's difficult to know what will happen to Alexis until the transfer window closes. Whichever option he chooses will be good for him," Pizzi said.

Chile are currently fourth in the 10-team South American zone qualifying standings with four matches remaining.

The top four sides at the end of the qualifying campaign will earn an automatic berth at the World Cup in Russia next year while the fifth-ranked outfit will book a playoff spot.

Pizzi's team will host Paraguay in Santiago on Thursday followed by an away clash against Bolivia five days later.