Barca hit by Villa leg break blow
By ESPNsoccernet staff
Barcelona forward David Villa has broken his left shinbone during the Catalans' Club World Cup semi-final victory against Al-Sadd.
David Villa breaks leg at Club World Cup
Villa, 30, was carried off on a stretcher six minutes before half-time at International Stadium Yokohama after appearing to land awkwardly.
Barcelona confirmed soon after on their official website that Spain's all-time record scorer had "suffered a fracture to the tibia in his left leg".
Early indications suggest Villa could be sidelined for around six months, which casts doubt over whether he will be available for Spain when they defend their European Championship title at Poland and Ukraine in June 2012.The blow follows a report on Wednesday in Marca that claimed Villa could leave Barca in the January transfer window as the striker has started only half of his side's La Liga matches this season.
Head coach Pep Guardiola moved to reject the rumour, branding it as a "lie", and defended his decision to leave Villa on the bench for their El Clasico victory over Real Madrid at the weekend.
Villa has scored five times in 15 league matches this season, following on from his 18 goals in 34 games as Barca won the league title last term. He has made 75 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 32 goals.
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