Barcelona Striker David Villa Breaks Left Leg

Yokohama, Dec 15: Barcelona striker David Villa broke the tibia in his left leg Thursday during the team's 4-0 victory over Al-Sadd in the semifinals of the Club World Cup.

The Spanish club said on its website that the Spain striker has been taken to the hospital for tests.

“We are going to miss Villa,” Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara said. “We hope it isn't too bad. ... When you play you never think that these things can happen. It was bad luck.”

Villa is Spain's all-time leading scorer and helped the team with the 2008 European Championship and 2010 World Cup.

“There is a long way to go (until Euro 2012),” Thiago said.

Barcelona will play South American champion Santos in the Club World Cup final with the chance to lift its 13th trophy under coach Pep Guardiola.

Villa scored 23 goals last season, his first with Barcelona. The 30-year-old Villa has seen his playing time diminish this season with the arrival of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, but he has still scored eight goals.

Barcelona leads the Spanish league, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference.