David Villa, who is Spain's all-time leading international scorer, has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia next week due to arthritis in his left ankle.
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The Atletico Madrid striker was forced off just before the hour mark of his side's 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday.
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"The Asturian player is suffering from arthritis in his left ankle, the medical services of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have been informed, which will make his presence in the squad managed by Vicente del Bosque impossible," the RFEF said in a statement.
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Villa has featured in every one of Atletico's 12 games in all competitions this season, scoring three goals as Diego Simeone's men have made a flying start to the campaign.
Sad one for Spain but I still expect them to pull through