The 24-year-old joined the Croatian club on a five-year deal from Universidad de Chile last summer, and had been due to return to Zagreb next week.

Although Morales is recovering well at home, he admits it has been a frightening experience.

"The doctors told me the H1N1 virus was not so serious," he told La Tercera.

"Fortunately it was detected in time and, thanks to the treatment, I'll be fine soon. However, I was scared.

"On Monday, the fever reached 37.5 degrees. The next day, it reached 38.5 and I went to the hospital, but nothing was diagnosed.

"Yesterday, I went back, as the fever reached 39.5 degrees and I was quite bad. The medicine I was prescribed was not working. I also had a headache and body pains.

"When they found out I had swine flu, I was given Tamiflu and some other medicines which are working. I feel much better compared to a few ago.

"I was told I should be alone in a room though so I could not pass on the illness to my family, as a brother of mine also contracted the flu.

"Fortunately, the flu was detected in time, but the flight to Croatia takes 24 hours and the doctor obviously told me I was unable to fly."

Chile defender Bastian Arce and Universidad Catolica captain Milovan Mirosevic later became the fourth and fifth players from the country to contract swine flu.

Arce, who helped his country win the Toulon International Tournament in France earlier this month, suffered the symptoms of the H1N1 virus and was immediately isolated.

Andres Lopez, the team co-ordinator of his Chilean club, Rangers, took the player to the Hospital del Maule, and later said: "Bastian was moved home, he was given Tamiflu and all the protocol for this situation was followed.

"Obviously, we'll start a thorough check-up on the rest of the squad."

Attacking midfielder Mirosevic, who turns 29 on Saturday, is said to be responding well to treatment.

"Milovan underwent checks and the tests came back positive. It is being treated and the prognosis is very good," Universitario club doctor Fernando Yanez said.

"We have taken the necessary measures to control this within the surrounds of the football club and the squad."

The other players to have contracted the virus were Colo Colo midfielder Rodrigo Millar and Universidad de Chile defender Rafael Olarra.