Santiago: Midfielder Pedro Pablo Hernandez was dropped from Chile’s slimmed down 24-man squad for the World Cup on Saturday after failing to recover from a leg injury.

He was one of six men axed from coach Jorge Sampaoli’s list of 30 players — the others were Enzo Andia, Paulo Garces, Gustavo Canales, Esteban Paredes and Matias Fernandez.

Sampaoli must lose one more man before the June 2 deadline for the final 23-player nominations.

In the Brazil tournament, Chile will face champions Spain, the Netherlands and Australia.