Former Rovers man Ben Brereton Diaz has been dropped by Chile and told by new coach Ricardo Gareca it is “essential” he learns Spanish to play for the country.

The 24-year-old attacker is currently on loan at Sheffield United from Villarreal and has scored a couple of goals for the Blades so far.

Gareca left Brereton Diaz out of his first squad for the friendlies against Albania and France later this month.

"I would like him to learn Spanish, I think it is important,” he told the press.

"He was called up for the Copa America two years ago, he has had enough time to (learn how to) speak Spanish.

"It is something that I personally told him, that I would like him to speak Spanish. I consider it essential for communication.

"Communication with his team-mates, with me, with the coaching staff, with the people and with the press.”

Brereton Diaz made his Chile debut in 2021 while he was a Rovers player and has since earned 27 caps on the international stage, scoring seven times.

He featured in the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador during the last international break in November.

Gareca was named as the new coach in January, replacing Eduardo Berizzo after the 65-year-old stood down.

Chile have taken five points from their opening six matches in World Cup qualifying and are 10 points behind leaders Argentina at this stage.

The national team are also preparing for the Copa America, which is set to take place in the United States this summer.

Brereton Diaz has made six appearances for Sheffield United since heading to Bramall Lane, getting on the scoresheet against West Ham and Crystal Palace.

The Blades find themselves at the foot of the Premier League table and are 10 points adrift, having won just three games since the start of the campaign.