Barcelona right-back Aleix Vidal will be out for the rest of the season after suffering a dislocated ankle during Saturday's 6-0 win at Alaves,BBC Sporthave reported.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury after clashing with Alaves'Theo Hernandez, and was stretchered off with 85 minutes played.
His right ankle was twisted sickeningly, and he was clearly in some pain as he signalled to the sidelines.
� The negative note to today's game was a serious ankle injury suffered by Aleix Vidal. Latest news: https://t.co/qn2H5o7TfQ #AlavesFCB pic.twitter.com/DQSjkFIyKH
Barcelona have confirmed that Vidal will be on the sidelines for at least five months, and will miss the remainder of the season as a result.
The former Sevilla full-back was taken to hospitalin the Basque city of Vitoria-Gasteiz to undergo an operation in order to reduce the swelling on his ankle.
Vidal had established himself as a first team regular since the turn of the year, scoring against bothLas Palmas and Athletic Bilbaobefore his injury on Saturday.
"We knew from the outset that he really hurt himself," coach Luis Enrique said after the game - quoted byGoal. "It's a shame for the player, the team and for Barca.
Theo: "I will go and see how Aleix Vidal is, I ask forgiveness from him." pic.twitter.com/ts8yimKpyg
"Hopefully he will recover well, that I am sure he will. It is something serious but we have to wait for the analysis of the doctors.
"Aleix's exit troubled us. It is not nice to see a serious injury to a footballer, but he is in very good hands."
With Sergi Roberto suspended, Barcelona will be without a right-back for the upcoming Copa del Rey final.