BOGOTA, June 9 -- Colombia international full-back Frank Fabra has been ruled out of the World Cup in Russia after suffering a serious knee injury, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said on Saturday.

Fabra tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while training with Colombia's national squad in Carnago, northern Italy.

"The player was accompanied by the entire group of players and coaches when he received with great sadness the confirmation of the news," the FCF said in a statement.

The 27-year-old Boca Juniors left-back has 19 caps and was expected to start in Colombia's opening Group H match against Japan on June 19.

"I had only one purpose, to be a part of this dream called the World Cup," Fabra said in a heartfelt social media post.

"I battled, worked hard and made every effort to improve. Little by little I was achieving my goal until this moment. My heart is broken into 50 million pieces. I am at the door, one step away. It hurts my soul."

The FCF said that national team coach Jose Pekerman would name a replacement for Fabra in the coming hours.

【体坛英语资讯：Colombia full-back Fabra to miss World Cup with knee injury】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Emotional Jackie Chan buries father in Australia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic basketball hopes in jeopardy: Yao

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Pakistani capital

★ 体坛英语资讯：Another injury sends Yi to NBA sidelines

★ 体坛英语资讯：Barcelonas title hopes take a hit with injuries

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liverpool co-owner Gillett reveals death threats

★ 体坛英语资讯：Gonzalez stuns Federer in round-robin in Shanghai

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Alba and Warren reunite after brief split?

★ 体坛英语资讯：German Football Federation wish to extend contract with Low

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jodie Foster to get leadership award