Spain’s Jordi Alba to miss World Cup qualifier against Albania due to injury

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will miss Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Albania after picking up a leg injury against Italy this week, coach Julen Lopetegui said.

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will miss Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Albania after picking up a leg injury against Italy this week, coach Julen Lopetegui said.

Spain's defender Jordi Alba (C) leaves the pitch during the WC 2018 football qualification match between Italy and Spain on October 6, 2016 at the Juventus stadium in Turin / AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE (AFP)

Alba pulled out of the team’s training session on Friday morning and returned to Spain where tests showed he had pulled a left thigh muscle.

“It seems he has a muscle problem, it’s sad news,” said Lopetegui.

The 27-year-old had to be taken off in the 22nd minute of Spain’s 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw against Italy in Turin.

Spain play Albania on Sunday in their third qualifier after beating Liechtenstein 8-0.