Costa Rica defender Matarrita out for the World Cup with hamstring injury

Goal

Costa Rica defender Matarrita out for the World Cup with hamstring injury image

Costa Rica defender Ronald Matarrita will miss the World Cup with a right hamstring strain, the Costa Rican federation has confirmed. 

The New York City FC left-back suffered the injury in training and after he underwent an MRI, the club's training staff determined he would be out for at least two weeks. 

Due to the length of the injury, Costa Rica has named Alajuelense defender Kenner Gutierrez as Matarrita's replacement on the roster. 

Matarrita was set to take part in his first World Cup after making his debut with the Ticos in 2015. 

The 23-year-old has been capped 21 times by his country, which has been drawn into Group E at the World Cup. 

Matarrita also missed out on last summer's Gold Cup for Costa Rica because of injury, then suffering a broken bone in his foot. 

Costa Rica will face Serbia in its opener on Sunday, before then taking on Brazil and Switzerland. 

Goal

Goal Photo

Goal.com is the premier destination for football fans across the globe, with all the best news, transfer updates, analysis and highlights.

Goal.com and The Sporting News are partnering to bring you insights into the game like never before.