Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso has operation on back problem

Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso has had surgery to help resolve an on-going back problem, the club have announced.

The 33-year-old Spain left-back has been restricted to just seven appearances for Barca this season, making four starts.

A brief statement on the club’s official website said: “First-team player Marcos Alonso has successfully undergone a procedure to treat his lower back issues.

MEDICAL NEWS | Marcos Alonso has undergone a successful procedure for his lower back issues, performed by Dr. Amélie Léglise, under the supervision of the Club’s Medical Services, at the Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/mZPlIDHVcQ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 3, 2024

“The procedure was performed by Dr Amelie Leglise, under the supervision of the club’s medical services, at the Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac. The player is out and his recovery will determine his availability.”

Alonso is in his second season with Barca after joining in September 2022 on a free transfer from Chelsea, whom he left by mutual consent with a year left to run on his contract.

His current deal at the Nou Camp expires in June this year, while he is the second Barca player to have back surgery this season following goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s operation last month.