CHICAGO -- Colombia players don't believe Arturo Vidal's absence for Chile in their Copa America semifinal on Wednesday will necessarily make their passage to the final easier.
Vidal is suspended for the semifinal after picking up his second yellow card of the competition in Chile's 7-0 thrashing of Mexico on Saturday.
"We know what Vidal brings, but they have excellent players," said AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, who also said at the same news conference Monday that he is fit to play after concerns about an ankle injury.
"Individually, [Chile players] are great, but they are a team and that is why they are [reigning Copa America] champions."
Tijuana striker Dayro Moreno said the quarterfinal clash will be "like a final," and Bacca stressed that the differences in the way the teams go into the quarterfinal -- Colombia edged past Peru on penalties, while Chile cruised -- doesn't make La Roja the favorite.
But there is a deep respect from Jose Pekerman's side toward a Chile team that has been improving as the Copa America has developed.
"We know the quality they have upfront and the form and speed they possess," goalkeeper David Ospina said at the same news conference.
"They can transition from defense to attack very quickly and they have players that are at the best teams in the world. That's why we have respect for Chile."
The Arsenal goalkeeper has been a key figure in Colombia reaching the semifinal and made important saves as Los Cafeteros advanced against Peru, but he lamented the lack of opportunities he has had to show himself under Arsene Wenger.
"At Arsenal, I've not had the continuity I wanted, but I always try to be 100 percent," said 27-year-old Ospina, who featured in just four Premier League games with the Gunners last season.
"When I come with the national team, I try to do the same, try to take advantage of the confidence [the coaching staff] have [in me] and try to represent my country positively."
Earlier on Monday, Chile striker Eduardo Vargas said La Roja duo Marcelo Diaz and Alexis Sanchez didn't participate in the full training session on Monday because of injury concerns.
The winner of Colombia and Chile will play the victor of Tuesday's semifinal between the United States and Argentina, with the final taking place in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday.