Jordi Alba could miss Spain’s World Cup opener on Friday against the Netherlands after suffering from wisdom tooth pain.
AS report that a visit to the dentist has seen Alba given antibiotics to combat the problem and reduce the pain, but he has been unable to train all week – and the antibiotics could cause the Barcelona left-back to fail a doping test.
There is alternative treatment that wouldn’t contravene doping controls but it is less affective, while the effect of the antibiotics on Alba also has to be considered.
Should Alba be forced out of the 2010 final rematch then Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta would go to left-back, the position in which he was mostly fielded for his club last season.
That would see Juanfran come in at right-back to replace Azpilicueta, with AS suggesting that returning Sergio Ramos to his old right-back berth is also an option.
Alba’s fitness has also been affected by blisters, as a result of the new boots he wore in Spain’s friendly against El Salvador.
