DOHA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona's 19-year-old left back Alejandro Balde has replaced Jose Luis Gaya in the Spain squad for the World Cup, the Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Friday.
Gaya missed the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury, with Balde stepping up from the Under-21 side after an impressive start to the season, which has seen him play at both left and right back for Barca - although he has just 23 first team appearances in his career and only made his Under-21 debut in September.
Spain coach Luis Enrique admitted it has been "the worst day for having to tell Gaya that he had to leave the squad, due to an injury that is not that serious, but with the games so close, it would have been a risk (to keep him)." ■
