Former Barcelona Star Carles Pérez Hospitalised After Dog Bite Injury to Groin, Out of Europa Match

 
Former Barcelona forward Carles Pérez has been hospitalised following a freak accident involving a dog bite to his genitals, according to reports from The Mirror on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, currently on loan at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki from Celta Vigo, was reportedly attempting to separate his own dog from another when the incident occurred. The injury required six stitches and Pérez was treated at a private hospital in Panorama, a suburb near Thessaloniki.

While the injury is not life-threatening, sources say he remains under observation and may require surgery, placing his return to competitive football in doubt.

The injury has ruled Pérez out of Aris Thessaloniki’s crucial UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Araz-Naxçıvan PFK, with the Greek side aiming to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit.

Speaking during a press conference, Aris manager Marinos Ouzounidis confirmed that Pérez had been in his plans for the match prior to the incident.

“Carles would have been in the starting line-up. This incident happened, but we can’t dwell on it any longer,” Ouzounidis said. “My mind is focused on alternative solutions, and we’ve been working on them.”

He added that team resilience would be key moving forward:

“That’s why I insist on having players with strong personalities. I trust the group I have available to give their all.”