Former Barcelona player Carles Perez has been ruled out of action after sustaining a dog bite injury to his groin.
The 27-year-old, who now plays for Aris Thessaloniki on loan from Celta Vigo, was reportedly trying to break up a scuffle between his dog and another when the incident happened. Local reports say Perez was bitten in the genitals and needed six stitches.
He was rushed to a private hospital in Panorama, near Thessaloniki, and remains under observation. Doctors have not ruled out surgery, and there is no clear timeline for his return.
His absence means he will miss Thursday’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Araz-Naxçıvan. Aris are hoping to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss.
Speaking ahead of the match, Aris manager Marinos Ouzounidis confirmed Perez was part of his starting plans.
“Carles would have been in the starting line-up,” he said. “This incident happened but we can’t dwell on it any longer. My mind is working on alternative solutions and we have worked on them.”
The manager added, “That’s why I insist it’s important to have players with personality. I’m focused on those I have available and how to get the best from them.”
Perez came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and spent nearly a decade at the club before moving to Italy and then Spain. He joined Aris Thessaloniki this summer in search of regular football.
Club sources say the incident was a “freak accident” and the player is expected to make a full recovery, though it’s unclear how long he will be out.
