Pernia gets green light for Spain

Spain coach Luis Aragones has called up Getafe defender Mariano Pernia to replace the injured Asier Del Horno in his World Cup squad.

The 25-year-old Chelsea defender injured a tendon in his lower leg on May 24 and has been ruled out for at least 20 days.

The Spanish Football Federation were given the green light by world governing body FIFA on Thursday to make the change.

Argentinian-born Pernia, 29, earned his Spanish nationality earlier this year and will join the national team, who are currently in Valencia, in the next 24 hours.

Pernia, who is currently on holiday in Argentina, will have to postpone his honeymoon and could make his debut in the World Cup warm-up against Egypt in Elche on June 3.