Madrid, Spain: Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will miss Spain's World Cup qualifier against Albania after picking up a leg injury against Italy this week, coach Julen Lopetegui said.

Alba pulled out of the team's training session on Friday morning and returned to Spain where tests showed he had pulled a left thigh muscle.

"It seems he has a muscle problem, it's sad news," said Lopetegui.

The 27-year-old had to be taken off in the 22nd minute of Spain's 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw against Italy in Turin.

Spain play Albania on Sunday in their third qualifier after beating Liechtenstein 8-0.