Suazo almost certain to miss Chile’s World Cup opener with hamstring injury

Suazo almost sure to miss World Cup opener

SANTIAGO, Chile — Striker Humberto Suazo seems certain to miss Chile’s first match at the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury.

The team’s leading striker, Suazo picked up the injury in a friendly match against Israel on Sunday, in which he scored a goal. Medical reports released Wednesday said Suazo may need up to three weeks to recover.

Chile is appearing in its first World Cup since 1998, and faces Honduras in its Group H opener on June 16. It plays Switzerland on June 21 and Spain on June 25.

Esteban Paredes will be the leading candidate to replace Suazo, who plays in Spain for Zaragoza.