Spain have asked permission to replace full-back Asier Del Horno who is is set to be ruled out of the World Cup through injury.

Tests on Tuesday revealed Del Horno has torn a tendon close to his left ankle and will be sidelined for at least three weeks.

The leading candidates to replace Del Horno are Deportivo Coruna’s Joan Capdevila and Getafe’s Argentine-born Mariano Pernia, if FIFA give permission.

Del Horno, who has 10 Spain caps, was signed by Chelsea for £8m from Basque club Athletic Bilbao in June 2005.