Madrid, Jan 13 (IANS) FC Barcelona face the probability of being without young defender Andreu Fontas for the rest of the season.

Fontas had to be carried out of Barcelona’s 2-1 Copa del Rey win away to Osasuna after just 16 minutes of the game, which saw the Catalan club earn a quarterfinal tie against arch rivals Real Madrid.

Fontas fell landed awkwardly on his right knee and early indications are that he has broken the cruciate ligament of his knee. If this is the case he will need an operation and will miss the rest of the season.

The injury has come at a bad time for Barcelona, given that just 24 hours prior left back Maxwell Cabelino left the club to join French side Paris Saint Germain. The combination of Maxwell’s departure and Fontas’ injury leaves Barcelona lacking cover in defense, especially as Seydou Keita will be absent for the next month and a half as he takes part in the African Nations Cup.

Barcelona can use Javier Mascherano in central defense and coach Pep Guardiola may now consider promoting a B-team player such as Martin Montoya, Marc Muniesa or Marc Bartra in his first team squad for the foreseeable future.