Del Horno to miss World Cup after Spain ask FIFA for replacement

Spain's soccer player Asier Del Horno pictured during the friendly match against Uruguay, at the Molinon stadium in Gijon, in August 2005. Spain have asked FIFA for permission to replace injured Del Horno in their World Cup squad.

Spain have asked football's world governing body for permission to replace injured full-back Asier del Horno in their World Cup squad, FIFA confirmed.

The Chelsea defender injured his calf muscle a week ago and will not be available for another 20 days, meaning he would not be able to play for his country until halfway through the footballing bonanza.

"Yesterday at about 2000 (1800GMT) we received a request from the Spanish Football Federation and we have sent it to our medical committee," said FIFA spokesman Pekka Odriozola in an interview with AFP.

"If Spain has sent all the right documents, a decision could be given today (Wednesday)."

FIFA said Spain had not specified the name of the replacement required by coach Luis Aragones but it is believed to be either Argentine-born Getafe full-back Mariano Pernia or possibly Deportivo La Coruna's Joan Capdevila.

Naturalised Spaniard Pernia is considered a more attacking option having scored 10 goals for his unfancied club in the Spanish league last season.