Chilean football International and newly signed Liverpool FC winger Mark Gonzalez has been refused a work permit to play football for Liverpool in the English Premiership by the UK Department of Education and Employment during a hearing in London today.

23 year old Gonzalez, who has 13 International caps for Chile, and three International goals to his name, started his career in Chile with Universidad Catolica Santiago, and then moved to Europe with a spell at Spanish La Liga side Albacete before moving to Premiership giants, and European Cup holders Liverpool on a years loan this summer.

Liverpool FC officials attended the hearing in London to argue the player's case but were dismayed when the panel threw out the appeal. Gonzalez has been unable to represent Chile recently due to a serious cruciate ligament injury that he picked up two weeks before the end of the last season against fellow La Liga rivals Levante, on May 8.

It is hoped for him to be set for a return to footballing action in October. This will be just in time for him to star in Chile's World Cup qualifying game, away to Columbia on the 8th October, and the home game against Ecuador three days later.

Many people have cited Gonzalez as an inspirational young player who, with his lightning pace who can play on either flank, or in a striking role. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has labelled Gonzalez as the best young player in Chile last season.

One of the provisions for the work application was that Gonzalez was to be playing regular national team football, and for the national team he represents to be, (for some reason) placed in the top 70 of the official FIFA world rankings. The fact that his country is currently placed 72nd didn't help the application.

Speaking to the official LFC website, Rafa said: "We must now wait because one of the problems is that his national team are not ranked in FIFA's Top 70. If they win a couple of games, maybe they will move up the FIFA rankings and things may change.

"Gonzalez is already a player who will shine in the Premiership but very soon he could be one of the most exciting players in England.

Rafa is desperate to see the Chilean international return to full fitness so that he can start earning more international caps to help a fresh application. If he makes a stunning return to fitness he could be ready in time to face Brazil away, on the 3rd of September!

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