Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal underwent right knee surgery on Wednesday, five weeks before his country's first match at the World Cup.
The operation in Barcelona was led by specialist surgeon Ramon Cugat, and was accompanied by Chile and Juventus team doctors.
The club, which won the Serie A title on Sunday, said Vidal needed arthroscopic surgery on the lateral meniscus in his right knee.
"We don't dare to say a recovery time because there's a World Cup in the making," Cugat said after the surgery.
"There are many factors at play here - he has to be in good form, in a good mood, and his knee has to respond well.
"But he's a very courageous player with a strong character, and he's always positive. He's a winner."
Vidal has been instrumental in helping Juventus to three successive Serie A titles since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011.
He was struggling with problems in his right knee for more than a month, but continued to play for Juventus until his injury worsened during the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Benfica last Thursday.
"The treatment that has been carried out is correct," Cugat said, fending off growing criticism in Europe and Chile about how Juventus managed his injury.
"I can say that I have many players, at the international level, who have continued to play with a tear to the lateral meniscus."
Since joining Juventus, Vidal has transformed impressively from being a stopper to making himself into a versatile player who recovers lost passes, sets up goals, and often scores. He has eight goals in 46 appearances for Chile.
Chile has one of its strongest teams, but it faces huge challenges in Brazil. Chile is in a group with Spain, the Netherlands and Australia.
Even if it advances as the group's second qualifier, it would likely have to play against host and five-time champion Brazil.
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