Barcelona Atletic goalkeeper Eder Aller is expected to be sidelined for about four months after undergoing surgery on his right hip, Barcelona have announced.
The 20-year-old has had an arthroscopic procedure to treat an injury affecting the cartilage and labrum in the hip joint. The operation was carried out at Barcelona Hospital by Fabian Oraza and Marc Aguilar, who are part of the club’s medical services.
A Barcelona statement said: “Barcelona Atletic player Eder Aller underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip on Friday morning to treat an injury to the cartilage and labrum. The operation was performed by doctors Fabian Oraza and Marc Aguilar from the club’s medical services at Barcelona Hospital. His recovery time is expected to be approximately four months.”
Aller had been dealing with physical problems for several weeks and had not played for Barcelona’s first team, Barcelona Atletic or the club’s youth sides since the end of August.
The goalkeeper was included in Hansi Flick’s squad for Barcelona’s opening three La Liga matches against Elche, Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano. He was also involved with Juliano Belletti’s Barcelona Atletic side for their opening fixture against Naxara.
Aller started the UEFA Youth League match against Feyenoord on 10 September but was replaced at half-time by Gerard Sala. His fitness problems continued after that appearance, eventually leading to the decision to operate.
The injury represents another setback for Barcelona Atletic and head coach Belletti, with the absence expected to last for a significant part of the season. Aller is regarded as one of the club’s promising young goalkeepers and had been expected to continue his development during the current campaign.
