Striker David Villa will be out for up to five months after breaking his left leg in Barcelona’s 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final victory over Al Sadd of Qatar on Thursday.
The news also represents a setback for Spain as they prepare to defend their European Championship title in Poland and Ukraine next year.
«This injury is a tough blow but I am convinced I am going to recover quickly and am thinking about playing the (Champions League) final in Munich (in May),» Villa said on his Facebook page.
«I know my colleagues will get me there — and to Euro 2012. I’m going to work hard to achieve it.»
Earlier in the day, club coach Pep Guardiola said: «David has fractured his leg and will return to Barcelona for an operation as soon as possible.
«We are all very sad for him. He’s a charming personality and it’s a massive blow for the team,» added Guardiola after the European champions set up a final against Brazil’s Santos.
Villa, Spain’s all-time top scorer with 50 goals in 81 appearances, fell awkwardly in the first half and immediately signalled to the bench before he was rushed to a local hospital in Yokohama.
«He will be out for a long time,» said Guardiola. «I don’t know how long but it takes a long time to return after a break like this.
«All the players are very worried about David. We hope he will return as soon as possible. Our thoughts are with him and we will have to win the Club World Cup without him.»
The Spanish champions later said they estimated Villa would be out for between four and five months.
buenosairesherald.com