Chile will test new combinations against Costa Rica

Chile’s aim in this week’s friendly against Costa Rica will be to consolidate coach Reinaldo Rueda’s plan for infusing new blood into the squad.

The contest Friday in Rancagua, 90km (56mi) south of Santiago, represents a chance to fine-tune Rueda’s approaching of combining established greats like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez with promising youngsters such as Erick Pulgar and Benjamin Kuscevic.

The clash with Costa Rica will also be Chile’s first at home since Rueda became coach earlier this year. They are coming off a 1-0 away win over Mexico on Oct. 16.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, will be anxious to post a victory after going winless in their last nine matches.

The Central American team are in a rebuilding phase and while they have signed a new coach, Uruguay’s Gustavo Matosas, he has yet to start work, though he is expected to attend the Chile match.

For Friday’s contest, Costa Rica interim coach Ronald Gonzalez will have to manage without starting goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who is injured. Another key player, striker Bryan Ruiz, is doubtful.