Spain coach Luis Enrique has explained cutting Valencia fullback Jose Gaya from his World Cup squad.

Enrique admits he couldn't afford to wait for Gaya to recover given the lack of cover he has at left-back. As such, he called up Barcelona wing-back Alejandro Balde as a replacement.

Enrique explained today: "I have to make decisions. If it were for my heart, he would still be here, but I have to take them with my head.

"It was an injury of 10-15 days and he couldn't play two games. With the responsibility of the coach of the whole country, I have to do the best for the team.

"The left-back is the only position that I can't wait for anyone. There is no one who can adapt to what we ask for. If it were in another position, the player would be summoned here. But they are two specific guys."

And he added: "I'm sorry in my soul, I have to put the team before my feelings."