Former Barcelona forward Carles Perez has been hospitalised after a dog bit him in the private area, ruling him out of a key European football match.
The 27-year-old, now playing for Greek club Aris Thessaloniki on loan from Celta Vigo, got injured while trying to separate his own dog from another during an incident at home.
According to The Mirror, Perez was treated at a private hospital in Panorama, near Thessaloniki. He received six stitches and may need surgery. While the injury is not life-threatening, doctors are still observing him, and there is no clear date for his return to the pitch.
Due to the injury, Perez will miss Aris Thessaloniki’s UEFA Europa Conference League clash against Araz-Naxçıvan PFK. The team is trying to bounce back from a 2-1 first-leg loss.
Aris manager Marinos Ouzounidis confirmed Perez had been part of his starting line-up before the unexpected accident.
“Carles would have been in the starting line-up. This incident happened but we can’t dwell on it any longer. My mind is working on alternative solutions and we have worked on them,” he said.
Ouzounidis also stressed the need for strong-minded players, saying, “That’s why I insist that it’s important to have players with personality. So I’m interested in the group of players that I will have at my disposal, to give the most they can.”
Perez, who began his career at Barcelona and spent eight years at the Spanish club, is expected to stay off the field for a while as he heals.
