Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has revealed the news of David Villa's broken leg is a devastating blow to the club.
Spain striker in a race against time to be fit for Euro 2012
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has revealed the news of David Villa's broken leg is a devastating blow to the club.
The 30-year-old picked up the injury in the semi-final of the Club World Cup semi-final as the Catalans cruised to a 4-0 victory over Al-Sadd.
Scans revealed Spain's all-time leading scorer has suffered a "fracture to the tibia in his left leg", placing his participation at next summer's Euro 2012 in doubt.
And Barca coach Guardiola has also been left to rue the absence of his lethal finisher for the rest of the season.
Saddened
"He will now travel to Barcelona as soon as possible," he said.
"He will be greatly missed as a colleague and as a player. I hope everything goes well.
"He will be out a long time. It's a big blow to the team. We just hope that he can play as soon as possible.
"David is very dear to us. The injury has saddened us all. Everyone can put themselves in his place and know they would suffer if it happened to them.
Compassion
"They feel for him. We must accept it and encourage him in his recovery."
The news of Villa's prolonged absence has inevitably triggered speculation of a replacement being sought in January.
Yet the Barca chief was quick to play down talk of any imminent arrivals, adding: "Let us have compassion and respect.
"Let's give it time. Now is not the time to talk about it."
