Barcelona confirm defender to undergo back surgery
- Marcos Alonso has missed last month of action with back problem
- Barcelona confirm surgery is required to solve issue
- 33-year-old had lost place in side prior to injury
By Sean Walsh
Barcelona have announced left-back Marcos Alonso will undergo back surgery to resolve a recent issue.
Alonso did not feature in a Barca matchday squad in the month of December after suffering from discomfort in his back.
The club have now confirmed he will have to go under the knife in order to return to full fitness after the winter break.
A statement from Barcelona read: "Next week, Marcos Alonso is to undergo surgery on the problems in the lumbar region of his back that have kept him sidelined in recent weeks. The club will be making an announcement immediately after to report on how the operation has gone."
Alonso has played only 299 minutes of football for Barcelona this season, starting in three of his seven appearances across all competitions.
His spot at left-back has been filled by La Masia graduate Alejandro Balde and summer loan signing Joao Cancelo, who are both much quicker than the 33-year-old.
Alonso's contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024, though Barcelona retain a one-year extension clause which would prevent him from walking away for free.
He joined Barca on a free transfer after his contract was terminated by Chelsea at the end of the summer 2022 window. Alonso made 37 appearances for La Blaugrana in his debut season, helping them to their first La Liga title in four years.
Barcelona return from their winter break with a trip to Las Palmas in La Liga on January 4 before travelling to Barbasto in the Copa del Rey and then jetting out to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de Espana. They face Osasuna in the semi-finals.
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