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Colombia replace Frank Fabra with Farid Diaz after World Cup training injury

Colombia have called up defender Farid Diaz to replace Frank Fabra, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training in Italy on Saturday, in their World Cup squad.

Fabra, expected to be Colombia's starting left-back, was diagnosed with the injury Saturday morning after scans taken by the team's medical staff showed the tear, according to a statement from the Colombian FA.

Diaz, 34, moved to Paraguay's Olimpia Asuncion last summer after five seasons with Colombia's Atletico Nacional and has won 13 caps, including eight in World Cup qualifiers and three in the 2016 Copa America.

Fabra, 27, has 19 caps and made his first competitive appearance for Colombia in the Copa America Centenario in 2015.

Colombia open Group H against Japan on June 19.