Torres out of Spain squad with ankle injury

Spain striker Fernando Torres has injured ligaments in his left ankle and will miss European championships qualifying matches against Latvia and Liechtenstein.

Photo: Torres out of Spain squad with ankle injury

National squad doctor Genaro Borras said Wednesday the Atletico Madrid player might recover from his ankle sprain in time for Atletico's match against Celta Vigo on June 10.

The striker will likely be replaced in the national squad by Espanyol's Luis Garcia, sports daily Marca said on its Web site. Marca said Garcia has been contacted by Spain coach Luis Aragones.

Torres sprained his ankle when he was tackled by defender Sergio Ramos during a training session with the Spanish national team Tuesday, as it prepares for European championships qualifying matches against Latvia on Saturday and Liechtenstein next week.

Torres joins Javi Navarro of Sevilla and Valencia's David Silva and Miguel Angel Angulo on the sidelines after the three players arrived at camp with injuries.

Spain is third in Group F with nine points. Leader Northern Ireland has 13, one more than Sweden with the top-two finishers advancing.