Horrible news out of Japan this morning where FC Barcelona defeated Al-Sadd 0-4 in the Club World Cup semi-final and will move on to play Santos in the final.

In the 36th minute of the first half David Villa was injured running down a through ball and when he tried to control the pass twisted is left leg and fell to the ground.

It immediately looked like something was wrong when Villa waved to the sidelines for medical assistance.

Villa was removed by stretcher and taken immediately to the locker room. Alexis Sanchez came on in place of the injured Villa.

At half time there was word that Villa had in fact suffered a broken tibia and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

Early prognosis is that Villa will be lost for 4-6 months.

Club president Sandro Rosell traveled to the hospital following the Barcelona victory and will arrange a early return back to Barcelona for Villa to begin recovery.

The loss obviously is a major one for FC Barcelona but with the return of Alexis Sanchez and the emergence of youngster Isaac Cuenca the transition will be a bit easier.

FC Barcelona will play Santos in the Club World Cup Final Sunday morning at 5:30 AM EST.

Video of the injury: