Barcelona striker David Villa is going to be out for an extended period of time, possibly for the entire remainder of the season. In the FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal match against Asian champions Al-Sadd, Villa suffered an awkward landing in the 35th minute and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher, then replaced by substitute Alexis Sanchez. It looked bad at the time, but Cules probably couldn't have thought it was this bad. FC Barcelona confirmed that Villa suffered a fractured tibia, and that he was taken to a hospital in Japan. The injury could keep him out up to six months.
Villa has not been in top form over the past year and was not picked to start against Real Madrid in El Clasico this past Saturday. Regardless, he's still one of the most lethal finishers in world football and one of the most recognizable faces in world football. His injury leaves Barcelona thin up top, meaning that Isaac Cuenca is going to have to become a key contributor faster than anyone thought.
For more on Villa and Barcelona, visit FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.