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Uncapped Mata wins Spain World call-up

  • Story Highlights
  • Uncapped Valencia winger Juan Mata called up by Spain for World Cup ties
  • He replaces Barcelona's Andres Iniesta who suffered a weekend thigh injury
  • Scotland have lost three players ahead of clash against Dutch in Amsterdam
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(CNN) -- Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has called up uncapped Valencia winger Juan Mata for World Cup qualifiers against Turkey at home on Saturday and away four days later

He replaces Barcelona's Andres Iniesta who suffered a thigh injury during Sunday's 6-0 thrashing of Malaga in a Primera Liga match and is expected to be sidelined for two weeks.

Mata has been a regular fixture at Valencia since he joined the club from Real Madrid's youth team in 2007.

Del Bosque named the 20-year-old in his squad for Spain's 3-0 friendly victory against Chile in November last year but the winger did not feature in the match.

The European champions have not lost a game since going down 1-0 to Romania in a friendly in Cadiz in November 2006.

They top their 2010 World Cup qualifying group, with four wins from four games, and have only conceded one goal in their last 10 matches.

Scotland's World Cup qualification hopes received a triple blow with three players pulling out injured ahead of Saturday's key clash with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

Rangers pair Kirk Broadfoot and David Weir were the first to be ruled out with the club's official Web site adding that they would also miss the following qualifier against Iceland at Hampden next Wednesday.

Broadfoot is suffering foot and calf problems which caused him to miss Rangers 2-2 home draw against Hearts at the weekend.

Ibrox team-mate Weir turned up at Scotland's Loch Lomond camp last night with a knee injury.

Kris Commons has also been ruled out of the Dutch game, a Scottish Football Association spokesman confirmed. Rangers full-back Steven Whittaker has been called up.

Celtic skipper Stephen McManus and his Rangers counterpart Barry Ferguson are other worries.

McManus missed Celtic's 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Sunday with an ankle injury and is a major concern.

Ferguson has a chest injury although he played and scored against Hearts at the weekend.

"McManus has got a swollen ankle," said Terry Butcher, Scotland's assistant manager. "It's improving day by day but we don't think he'll play on Saturday, he is doubtful.

"We are optimistic about his chances for the Iceland game."

Turning to Ferguson, former England centre-half Butcher added: "Barry had X-rays today (Tuesday) and we are waiting on the results. He wants to play and will train tomorrow if the results are good.

"If medical evidence puts him in danger then he won't play but, as far as we're concerned, he feels fine and it looks positive."

Scotland are looking to get something out of the Amsterdam game even if it is only a point to boost their hopes of at least finishing second in the group and going through to a two-leg qualification playoff game.

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