Colombia's Carlos Bacca out for remainder of World Cup group stage

The Colombia Football Federation announced on Tuesday morning that Los Cafeteros will be moving forward in Group C play without the services of Carlos Bacca. The striker is dealing with a leg muscle strain that he suffered in training, and he will be forced to miss the upcoming match on Thursday against the Ivory Coast at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia and the June 24 match against Japan. 

Colombia, which is already without striker Radamel Falcao, thins out even more for options up front. Teofilo Gutierrez, who scored in Saturday's 3-0 win over Greece, remains a likely option to start.

"Following the tests done by Colombia's medical team, led by doctor Carlos Ulloa, it has been determined that player Carlos Bacca has suffered a first degree muscle strain and will require a period of treatment from seven to 10 days," the federation's statement read.

If Colombia is able to advance past the group stage of the tournament, Bacca, who plays on the club level with Sevilla, could have the opportunity to make his 2014 World Cup debut after not playing against Greece.