PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG reportedly had his jaw broken when four armed burglars broke into his house over the weekend.
The Barcelona forward was smashed on the chin with an iron bar while trying to protect his family from the robbers.
And now The Athletic say Aubameyang, 33, is believed to have suffered a fractured jaw during the terrifying ordeal.
He is set to be out of action for a number of weeks and could potentially undergo surgery.
Going under the knife would see him return to action sooner than waiting for his jaw to heal naturally.
But it has complicated his potential transfer to Chelsea.
Read More Chelsea News
Talks between Barca and the Blues over a deal for Aubameyang are set to continue today.
With the transfer window closing tomorrow, an agreement between the two clubs on a fee is yet to be reached.
Aubameyang has also not accepted personal terms yet, although it is claimed the matter will be resolved if the two clubs thrash out a deal.
But the fact the former Arsenal man has suffered a reported broken jaw means he could only be available for a handful of games before the World Cup.
Most read in Football
The deal is not thought to be dead in the water – but it has thrown a spanner in the works.
The Blues though are sympathetic and still willing to continue discussions, according to Sky reporter Dharmesh Seth.
Sky also say Aubameyang is only set to be out for three weeks and can resume non-contact training next week.
Up to now cash-strapped Barca had been holding out for more money than the Blues wanted to pay.
With Thomas Tuchel desperate to add a striker before the window slams shut, a loan move to Stamford Bridge is also now thought to be a possibility.
Aubameyang and his wife, Alysha Behague, were reportedly handcuffed and tied up in front of their kids Curtys, 11, and Pierre, six, by the burglars.
Alysha, 36, is also claimed to have been hit over the head during the break-in at their home in Castelldefels, near Barcelona.
Read More on The Sun
Four intruders climbed into the back garden before threatening Aubameyang and his family.
They forced Alysha to open a safe full of valuables including jewellery before fleeing in a white Audi A3, according to police sources reported by El Pais.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
