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NELSPRUIT, South Africa - Honduran midfielder Julio Cesar de Leon has been dropped from the country's roster after injuring his leg in Monday's training, dealing a blow to the Catrachos on the eve of their World Cup opener against Chile.

De Leon, nicknamed "Rambo" who has scored seven goals in 34 World Cup qualifying matches since making his debut with the national team in 1999, sprained his right thigh in a training session Monday night.

He was replaced on the roster by Jerry Palacios of Chinese club Hangzhou Greentown, joining brothers Wilson and Jhony to become the first trio of siblings to play on the same World Cup team, Salvadoran newspaper El Heraldo reported.

Jerry Palacios was part of Honduras' 30-man preliminary roster.

The injury was the latest in a series of maladies to strike the Hondurans. Wilson Palacios was deemed OK to play earlier this week after injuring his leg in a 3-0 friendly loss to Romania on June 5. David Suazo also was injured the match, leaving in the 38th minute also with a leg injury.

Team physician Dr. Oscar Benitez said Tuesday that Suazo would not be available for Wednesday's match against Chile.

Honduras had to drop Carlo Costly shortly in May with a broken bone in his foot.


Group H


Wednesday, June 16
Honduras vs. Chile
Spain vs. Switzerland
Monday, June 21
Chile vs. Switzerland
Spain vs. Honduras
Fruiday, June 25
Switzerland vs. Honduras
Chile vs. Spain