Spain lose Real Madrid prospect Enzo Alves before Under-17 World Cup

Spain have suffered a late setback before the start of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with Real Madrid forward Enzo Alves ruled out of the tournament because of a muscle injury.

Alves was forced to leave Real Madrid’s first youth-team match against Rayo Vallecano after suffering the injury. According to Marca, the 17-year-old will not recover in time to represent Spain at the competition.

The forward, son of Real Madrid legend Marcelo, has been dealing with a muscular problem since his most recent appearance for the club. The injury has led to his removal from Spain’s squad, with Guillermo Trujillano called up as his replacement.

Trujillano is a graduate of the Atletico de Madrid academy and will join Spain’s squad for the tournament in Qatar.

Initial medical examinations suggest Alves will need about two weeks to recover. That period extends beyond Spain’s opening group match against China on 20 November.

Spain manager David Cubillo had selected Alves and Yiremaya as the only recognised forwards in his squad. Yiremaya, who is also a Real Madrid player, has himself been carefully managed after missing more than a month with an injury.

He is expected to be fit for the start of the tournament, but the situation leaves Spain with both of their main forwards carrying fitness concerns during the group stage. The team do have other attacking options, including Roberto Tomas, who can operate as a central striker.

Spain will begin their Under-17 World Cup campaign against China on 20 November. Their second group match will be against Fiji on 23 November, before they face Morocco in their final game of the group stage.