Keylor Navas ruled out of Copa America
The Costa Rica goalkeeper's foot injury will keep him out of Copa America Centanario, a year after missing the Gold Cup with injury.
Navas has been replaced on the Ticos' roster by Saprissa goalkeeper Danny Carvajal, after the Costa Rican federation announced the news on Tuesday (AEST).
The news comes as a huge blow for Costa Rica, with Navas a regular starter for Real Madrid in a season which saw the club take out the UEFA Champions League for an unprecedented eleventh time.
Los Blacos confirmed the 29 year-old had suffered an injury, one that while not serious requires rest to heal.
"After the tests carried out this afternoon on our player, Keylor Navas, at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with an achilles tendinopathy in his left foot," the club statement read. "His recovery will continue to be assessed."
It's the second consecutive tournament that the goalkeeper has missed. His replacement at that tournament, Esteban Alvarado, also is out of the Copa America because of a leg injury suffered before the roster was named. That leaves domestic-based goalkeepers Patrick Pemberton, of Alajuelense, and Leonel Moreira, of reigning champion Herediano.
"I think the guys in times like this this they’re able to replace those players, and in this case it’s Moreira or Patrick job to step in," Costa Rica coach Oscar Ramirez said.
Forward Ariel Rodriguez also will not be able to join the squad because of an injury. He'll be replaced by 35-year-old Johnny Woodly, who is still looking for his first international cap.
