Costa Rica's Ronald Matarrita ruled out of World Cup through injury

Costa Rica defender Ronald Matarrita will not play in the World Cup because of a right hamstring injury.

The Costa Rican federation confirmed Matarrita will be replaced on the Ticos' roster by Kenner Gutierrez.

Following training at the team's St. Petersburg camp, the left-back had an MRI which confirmed the injury. Matarrita, who plays for the MLS club NYCFC, will miss at least two weeks.

"Ronald Matarrita had been presenting, a few days ago, discomfort on the back of his right thigh, was treated with physical therapy treatment, readjustment and medication, but during training yesterday (the) player tells us that there is no improvement in his discomfort," Costa Rica team doctor Alejandro Ramirez said in a press release.

Matarrita has been dealing with occasional hamstring issues for several months.

Costa Rica are preparing to play Serbia in its World Cup opener on Sunday in Samara. The Ticos are hoping to improve on their finish at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they advanced to the quarterfinals.

Matarrita was one of six players from Major League Soccer on Costa Rica's roster.

Gutierrez plays for Alajuelense in Costa Rica's top division.