David Villa breaks leg in Club World Cup – video

Al-Sadd state of affairs

The Club World Cup receives criticism from some quarters for being nothing more than a publicity exercise, allowing FIFA to show off some of its clubs in a money-spinning tournament for the Asian market.

Barcelona have today paid the price for taking the competition seriously and fielding a strong side, when striker David Villa was ruled out for six months after suffering a broken leg in their opening match against Al-Sadd.

The striker had been rumoured to be considering leaving the Catalan outfit in January, but such thoughts will clearly now be put on ice, just like his leg.

The incident occurred six minutes before half time, with the striker stretchered off after a lengthy delay.