On Friday, Spain replaced injured left-back Jose Gaya with Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde in their World Cup roster.
The Valencia defender hurt his ankle during training on Wednesday, and coach Luis Enrique indicated he would decide what to do about it after the club landed in Doha on Friday.
“The full-back leaves Qatar with the love, respect and recognition of his team-mates and the RFEF (Spanish FA),” said the RFEF in a statement.
“The RFEF’s message for Gaya is filled with affection, he had won his place in the Spain squad at the World Cup after four years playing for the national team at the top level.”
Gaya, 27, has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Valencia and was set to play at his first World Cup.
Nineteen-year-old Barcelona full-back Balde has burst into the limelight this season at Camp Nou with impressive performances on both the left and the right of defence.
Barcelona’s 19-year old left-back Alejandro Balde has been called up to Spain’s World Cup squad 🇪🇸
He only played his first official game for Barca a year ago ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/mtUI3WRI7Q
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 18, 2022
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Spain beat Jordan 3-1 in a friendly on Thursday with Aymeric Laporte starting at left-back.
Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, expected to be first choice during the tournament, featured as a substitute.
La Roja open their campaign against Costa Rica on November 23, before facing Germany and Japan.
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