Barcelona extend perfect start in La Liga with 6th win but loses Ter Stegen

Barcelona extended their perfect start to the Spanish league season but lost goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a serious knee injury.

Barcelona routed host Villarreal 5-1 on Sunday night to pick up its sixth straight victory in the competition, but saw captain Ter Stegen leave the match on a stretcher just before halftime after his right knee buckled when he fell awkwardly after going up for a ball crossed into the area.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the injury appeared to be a torn ligament but more tests would be conducted. Local media reports said Ter Stegen went from the stadium to the hospital in an ambulance, and left the hospital in a wheelchair.

This injury makes us sad. I think the injury will be huge but we have to wait for more information," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. We have to accept it. It's not easy. It was an accident. It's very tough.

Players from both teams immediately called for medical assistance after Ter Stegen fell to the ground in pain. He