Former Barcelona forward Carles Perez has been hospitalized after suffering a dog bite to his genitals, an unusual injury that now rules him out of Aris Thessaloniki’s crucial UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Araz-Naxçıvan PFK.

The 27-year-old, currently on loan at the Greek club from Celta Vigo, was reportedly trying to break up a fight between his dog and another when the incident occurred. He was treated at a private hospital in Panorama, near Thessaloniki, where he received six stitches and remains under medical observation. Surgery has not been ruled out.

Aris manager Marinos Ouzounidis confirmed Perez was in the starting lineup plans before the freak accident:

 “Carles would have been in the starting line-up. This incident happened but we can’t dwell on it… We’ve worked on alternatives.”

Despite the setback, Ouzounidis stressed the need for resilience within the squad. Perez, who came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and spent eight years at the club, faces an indefinite spell on the sidelines as he recovers.