World Cup favorites Spain's left back Asier del Horno from Chelsea had been replaced by Mariano Pernia from Spanish first division side Getafe, world soccer governing body FIFA confirmed in Berlin Sunday.

According to FIFA, member associations are allowed to replace injured or sick players up to twenty-four hours prior to the team's opening match provided that their medical condition has been ratified by the FIFA Sports Medical Committee.

Del Horno, 25, who scored two goals in 10 international matches for Spain, suffered an Achilles tendon injury in training in the last week of May and national team doctor Genaro Borras said the player would be out of action for three weeks.

Pernia, 29, the joint top scorer for his club with 10 goals last season, was then called up by Spain's coach Luis Aragones who initially left the attacking defender out of his squad.

Aragones said that the Argentine-born Pernia got dual Spanish nationality at the end of April which was too late for him to be included.

Pernia then flew to Buenos Aires for his wedding set on June 20. But he flew back soon to take part in Spain's World Cup warmup against Egypt on Saturday, in which Spain enjoyed a 2-0 win.

Spain have been drawn in Group H with Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Their first match will on June 14 against Ukraine.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany will kick off on June 9. Enditem