Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen ruled out for up to eight months

The 32-year-old sustained the issue during Barca's 5-1 thrashing of Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday afternoon, when midfielder Pablo Torre netted his first-ever goal for the club.

As well as the young Spaniard, usual suspects Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were on hand to bag a brace each for Hansi Flick's troops away from home.

As a result of their handsome victory, the Catalan club remain at the top of the pile in La Liga, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have lost ground in the title race recently but produced a second-half comeback against Espanyol on the weekend, with Kylian Mbappe among the goals.

Barcelona keeper Ter Stegen out for eight months?

In the midst of a positive display at Villarreal, Barcelona suffered an injury blow that could have serious ramifications on their quest for La Liga and Champions League glory.

At the end of the first half, Ter Stegen jumped for a ball and buckled his knee on the landing, quickly being stretchered off the field of play.

Barcelona posted a statement to their social media accounts reading: "Tests carried out on the first team player, Marc ter Stegen confirm that he has a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee."

"On Monday afternoon he will undergo a surgical process and once complete a new update will be released."

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ter Stegen could be out of action for Barcelona for up to eight months, representing a massive blow to Flick's hopes of winning silverware during his first season in charge at the club.

Who can replace Ter Stegen?

Since moving from Borussia Monchengladbach in July 2014, Ter Stegen has made 420 appearances for Barcelona, cementing his spot as a key first-team player.

The 32-year-old has won five La Liga crowns during his time at Camp Nou, as well as a Champions League triumph in 2014-15 alongside Lionel Messi and company.

Replacing Ter Stegen for the second half on the weekend, 25-year-old Inaki Pena is set to have the difficult job of filling the German's shoes until January at least.