Honduras midfielder Julio Cesar de Leon ruled out of World Cup with leg injury

Honduras midfielder de Leon out of World Cup

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Honduras midfielder Julio Cesar de Leon has been ruled out of the World Cup with a right leg injury.

Team officials say the hard-tackling midfielder tore a muscle in his leg and will be replaced in the starting lineup against Chile on Wednesday by Jerry Palacios.

This is Honduras’ second appearance at a World Cup, and its first since 1982.

De Leon is one of the team’s mainstays, and has made 77 international appearances.