Spain ask permission to replace injured Del Horno

MADRID, May 30: Spain have asked FIFA for permission to bring in another player to replace injured defender Asier del Horno, the Spanish Football Federation said today.

The Chelsea fullback damaged the area around his Achilles tendon in training last week.

After a scan on Tuesday, national team doctor Genaro Borras said Del Horno would be out of action for 10 days and would need at least another 10 to get back to full fitness after that.

The leading candidates to replace Del Horno are Deportivo Coruna's Joan Capdevila and Getafe's Argentine-born Mariano Pernia, if FIFA give permission.

Spain play their opening game against Ukraine on June 14.

Reuters