Arsenal and Chile star Alexis Sanchez says he has told international teammate Arturo Vidal to "bust your a**" in the Copa America group game against Bolivia.
Juventus midfielder Vidal was involved in a serious drink-driving incident after Chile's 3-3 draw with Mexico earlier this week, crashing his Ferrari on a freeway.
He was released from police custody on Wednesday but apologised after condemnation from the national media.
Despite the crash, he will be able to play in Chile's final Group A game against Bolivia on Saturday as they bid to qualify automatically for the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Teammate Alexis Sanchez has now defended Vidal, insisting the most important thing is the health of the 28-year-old midfielder and his wife.
"I told him 'Arturo, you better bust your a**'", said Sanchez.
"It's very hard what happened with him but as a group, the least we can do is put up with it as a team. There has been indiscipline, we were wrong, you are right about that. But we are a family and we are there to support him.
Sanchez then criticised the media for claims that the squad were unhappy that Vidal has been able to continue playing at the tournament.
"I hate it when people say things which are not true," Sanchez continued.
"All the players were with him. I hope that the people will be with him on Friday, like all his colleagues have been. The important thing is that Arturo, his wife and everyone else are well. The case of Arturo should now close and we can concentrate on the Copa America."
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