Sunday, June 4 2006

MADRID: 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.

"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.

FIFA said Spain had not specified the name of the replacement required by coach Luis Aragones but it is believed to be Argentine-born Getafe full-back Mariano Pernia.

Naturalised Spaniard Pernia is an attacking option having scored ten goals for his unfancied club in the Spanish league last season. (AFP)