Ben Brereton’s involvement in the Copa America has been thrown into doubt.

It comes as the attacker detailed the four month process he had to undertake to be named in the La Roja squad for firs the first time after pledging his allegiance to Chile.

Brereton is preparing to feature in World Cup qualifiers against Argentina on June 4 and then Bolivia four days later, with the rescheduled Copa America set to begin on June 11.

That would impact on Brereton’s involvement in Rovers’ pre-season programme, but the tournament, already pushed back 12 months, is under threat.

The South American Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, is searching for a new host for the competition after the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Argentina saw them stripped of their duties. They were previously co-hosts with Colombia, but that plan was scrapped amid political unrest.

CONMEBOL will now consider hosting offers from other countries, with Chile said to be in the running, in a bid to salvage the tournament which will see La Roja come up against Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Brereton has been with the national team for the last week and will hope to make his debut this week.

The 22-year-old was described as a ‘valid’ option by coach Martin Lasarte who has watched Brereton closely since his availability, owing to his mother being born in Chile, first surfaced at the end of 2020.

Seven goals in 43 appearances for Rovers saw Brereton earn a call-up, and he’s been delighted with how things have transpired, and to be representing Chile.

“I chose to come to Chile, because I want to play for Chile. What happens I don't care. I want to play for Chile. It is a great honour and a privilege to wear this shirt. I'm not thinking of England, I came here to play for Chile,” Brereton told reporters in Chile.

“I knew they were following me for a while, but the passport and nationality process began specifically three or four months ago. That's when I started to take this seriously. 

“Following the instructions of the Chilean federation, I made several visits to the consulate in London to obtain my Chilean nationality. It has been an honour to have my Chilean passport.”

On his family background, Brereton said: “My mother was born in Concepcion and came to England when she was 14 years old. My grandfather is from Santiago and he worked here, but then he moved to the UK. I also have uncles, aunts and cousins ​​in Santiago and Concepción.

“My mum is not a football fan, but my grandfather followed the Chilean team a lot. And every time Chile played, he supported them.”

Chile are sixth in the South American World Cup qualification group and needing to make the top four to be certain of qualifying for Qatar 2022.

They sit on four points from four games and face an Argentina side which includes Lionel Messi, who have 10 points out of a possible 12 so far.

"It will be very tough. Chile are a great team, they have a new coach and have not played many games under him, they have an experienced group of players and some young guys too. They are improving and are very competitive."