David Villa to miss Spain qualifiers

Atletico Madrid striker David Villa will miss Spain's World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia with an ankle injury, according to the club.

The 31-year-old was expected to be chosen to the lead the line for Vicente del Bosque's side after an injury to Fernando Torres and Roberto Soldado being omitted from the squad.

Atletico announced via their official Twitter account that Villa is suffering with a problem to his left ankle and will be unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.

Villa has scored two goals in eight La Liga appearances since joining Atletico from Barcelona in the summer.