QUITO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador forward Luis Fernando Saritama has been injured just days before the Copa America in Argentina, coach Reinaldo Rueda said on Tuesday.

Saritama was left out of the squad following a leg injury he suffered last week during a local tournament, Rueda told reporters.

"It's painful both for us and for the player. He has worked hard to be here and we hope he recovers," he said.

Rueda said Saritama will be replaced by Giovanny Nazareno.

The Ecuadorian team will travel to Argentina on June 28 for the continental tournament where they will line up with Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela in Group B action.