Barcelona striker David Villa suffered a broken shinbone in the first half of the Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Sadd.
New setback for striker in difficult season
Barcelona striker David Villa suffered a broken shinbone in the first half of the Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Sadd in Yokohama.
The all-time leading scorer for Spain was stretchered off in the 39th minute after a collision and it has since been confirmed he has suffered a fractured left tibia.
Villa's injury comes as a latest setback for the forward in what has been a difficult season, when he has not been guaranteed a first-team place.
The 30-year-old had as a consequence been linked by Spanish newspaper
Marca with a move to the Premier League and Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were reported to be interested.
Barcelona confirmed the injury on their official website in a short statement which read: "David Villa has fractured his left tibia."
Lie
After masterminding an El Clasico victory over Real Madrid last weekend, Pep Guardiola had earlier this week dismissed the suggestions of Villa's possible departure from Barcelona.
The Camp Nou boss said: "Marca lie. I have not spoken to David after the last match in Madrid, but all of the players are in my plans.
"I am the one who comes up with 25 different line-ups during the season because I feel that is the best thing to do.
"Most of the players that are here now will continue for the rest of this season and the next.
"I wish I could play with 15 players on a team because then everyone could play."
