Villa out for up to five months with broken leg
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.
Villa's absence will narrow Guardiola's options as his side pursue
titles in the Club World Cup, La Liga, Champions League and King's Cup.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was also concerned about the
30-year-old.
Villa was first-choice forward when Spain won the World Cup in South
Africa last year and his national team partners Fernando Torres and
Fernando Llorente are now struggling for form.
"It's very bad news, very unlucky for him," Del Bosque told Europa
Press. "Thinking ahead to the European Championship it is obviously very
bad news as well.
"There are still six months to go. Let's see how he recovers. Some
return quickly, others take a little longer. First we need to listen to
what the medics say." YOKOHAMA, Friday, Reuters |
