Quito (Ecuador) Aug 26 (IANS) Winger Renato Ibarra has been removed from the Ecuador squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Peru.
The 26-year-old suffered a muscle strain in his left leg while playing for Mexican club America and scans revealed the extent of the damage on Friday the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) said in a statement.
"The national team s medical department officially confirmed that (Renato) has a muscle strain in his left leg and as a result he has been omitted from the squad " the FEF was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
It added that goalkeeper Librado Azcona is also doubtful for the matches due to a shoulder problem.
Ecuador will face Brazil in Porto Alegre on August 31 before hosting Peru in Lima five days later.
Ecuador are currently sixth in the 10-team South American group qualifying standings with four matches remaining.
The top four teams will earn an automatic place at next year s tournament in Russia while the fifth-ranked side will book an intercontinental play-off slot.
--IANS
ajb/bg
