Soccer-Spain defender Gaya out of World Cup with injury, Balde called up

Spain left back Jose Gaya has withdrawn from their squad for the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an ankle injury in training, the team announced on Friday. Alejandro Balde will be Gaya's replacement in the squad for the 2010 world champions, with the 19-year-old earning his first senior call-up.

Spain left back Jose Gaya has withdrawn from their squad for the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an ankle injury in training, the team announced on Friday. The statement said that Gaya suffered a low-grade lateral sprain in his right ankle while training in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday and will return to Spain later on Friday.

Spain registered a friendly 3-1 win over Jordan in a warm-up game on Thursday, six days before they face Costa Rica in their World Cup opener. Luis Enrique's side are also due to play Germany and Japan in Group E. Alejandro Balde will be Gaya's replacement in the squad for the 2010 world champions, with the 19-year-old earning his first senior call-up.