Larsson hit by cruciate injury

BARCELONA striker Henrik Larsson could miss the remainder of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The extent of the injury was revealed by keyhole surgery performed by club doctors on the Swedish striker’s knee yesterday to repair cartilage damage sustained during Saturday’s Primera Liga victory over Real Madrid.

Barcelona’s official website said Larsson had asked for any surgery on the torn ligament to be postponed, making it difficult to estimate how long the 33-year-old player would be out of action.

“By the player’s express wishes definite surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament has been postponed,” the club said yesterday. Barcelona said the injury was at least as serious as those suffered by Larsson’s team mates Thiago Motta, Gabri and Edmilson.