Barca defender Aleix undergoes operation on ankle injury

FC Barcelona full back Aleix Vidal has undergone an operation for the badly dislocated ankle he suffered at the end of his side's 6-0 win away to Deportivo Alaves on Saturday afternoon.

The Barcelona website confirmed on Sunday that the defender underwent an emergency operation in the city of Vitoria after being taken from Alaves's Mendizorroza Stadium.

He was injured following a tackle from Alaves defender Theo Hernandez five minutes from time of the game. TV replays showed how his foot was caught in the pitch under Theo's challenge, doubling his ankle in the process.

Aleix immediately called for help and was stretchered off the pitch. The report published by the club confirmed he would be out of action for four to six months, missing the rest of the season.

"I wanted to get the ball and he had his supporting foot on the pitch. I am really sorry about what happened to Aleix, it was involuntary and I hope he can recover as soon as possible. It is always sad when you have injured a companion," said Theo who visited Aleix to apologize personally after the game.

source: Xinhua