Ankle injury puts Del Horno's World Cup in doubt

MADRID, May 25: Spain defender Asier del Horno's chances of playing in the World Cup finals hung in the balance on Thursday after he picked up an ankle injury.

''He injured himself in the game yesterday and he was still suffering this morning so we did a scan,'' national team doctor Genaro Borras told reporters.

''He has damaged the area around the Achilles tendon in his left ankle. It is a small injury but by way of a precaution he will do nothing until Monday when we will see how it has healed.

''We will do further tests on Tuesday. We have to be realistic. I hope it heals but I have my doubts. It could put his participation in the finals in doubt.'' Spain play their first game in the World Cup finals in Germany against Ukraine on June 14.

However, Borras had good news over the injury to Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado.

''He hasn't torn the muscle in his leg and has only suffered a strain which was less serious than we had originally thought,'' said Borras.

''He will be able to return to action on Tuesday and we'll see how the injury has healed over the following four to six days.'' Both players will miss the warm-up game against Russia in Albacete on Saturday.

REUTERS