Ilkay Gundogan forced off in Barça win: what is the injury & how long will he be out for?

Ilkay Gundogan was forced off with an injury in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Alavés in LaLiga on Saturday evening. The Germany international was replaced by Brazilian forward Vitor Roque after 59 minutes in the club’s victory in Vitoria. The substitution came just 10 minutes after Gundogan netted Barcelona’s second crucial goal of the game with a stunning volley.

Gundogan’s injury

The former Manchester City captain appears to have picked up a back injury and it remains to be seen how long he will be on the sidelines for. Just four minutes after replacing Gundogan, new signing Vitor Roque netted the Blaugrana’s third of the game to seal another victory for Xavi’s men. The young forward later received his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards in the space of five minutes.

Highly-rated Alavés forward Samu Omorodion netted for the home side in the 51st minute of the encounter but it wasn’t enough on the day as the away side ran out winners to move onto 50 league points for the season.