Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso undergoes back surgery

Barcelona have revealed that Marcos Alonso has undergone an operation in a bid to fix a lower back issue.

The 33-year-old has not been in a matchday squad for Barcelona since the end of November, missing the Catalan outfit's last five matches due to a troublesome back problem.

Alonso was expected to return to the field in January, but it has now been confirmed by the club that he has undergone an operation in an attempt to address the injury.

"Marcos Alonso has undergone a successful procedure for his lower back issues, performed by Dr. Amelie Leglise, 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," read a statement from Barcelona.

While Barcelona have not provided an update on the length of his recovery, AS claim that he is likely to be missing until at least the middle of March.

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Alonso has made seven appearances for Barcelona this season, with just four of those coming in La Liga.

The defender made the move to Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, and he has represented the La Liga champions on 44 occasions, scoring three goals in the process.

Alonso only has a contract with Barcelona until June 2024, although the club have the option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months.

"Back home after a successful small operation! Counting the days to be back on the pitch with my teammates. Let's go 2024! Thank you for your support!" he posted on his official Instagram account.

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Barcelona will be back in La Liga action against Las Palmas on Thursday evening, with the team looking to make it back-to-back wins in Spain's top flight following their 3-2 success over Almeria before the international break.

"I think we have trained well, the Christmas break has been good for us to disconnect and the team has come back very well. There's no need for words, now it's time to show it on the pitch. We want to find continuity in our play and results," head coach Xavi told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"Winning titles [is our objective], just like last year at this time. We have four competitions, now two wonderful ones are starting. I ask for health, happiness, that the players enjoy themselves.... but above all to win."

Barcelona are currently fourth in the La Liga table, seven points behind both second-placed Girona and division leaders Real Madrid, with the top two both in action on Wednesday night.