Chile name uncapped pair for Russia, Peru friendlies

Chile interim manager Nicolas Cordova has included uncapped pair Sebastian Mella and Agustin Arce in his squad for friendlies against Russia and Peru, the Chilean Football Federation said on Monday.

Huachipato goalkeeper Mella and Deportes Limache midfielder Arce were part of the Chile team that reached the last 16 of the under-20 World Cup played in Chile in September and October.

Chile will meet Russia on November 15 and Peru three days later, with both matches scheduled for the southwestern Russian city of Sochi.

Cordova has said he will use the friendlies to help Chile prepare for the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle after the team's failure to secure a place at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Chile, currently 56th in FIFA's world rankings, is expected to name a permanent manager in January.