ZCZC
BSP-20
FBL-ESP-BARCELONA-LIGA
Barca’s Rafinha set for long absence after rupturing cruciate ligament
BARCELONA, Nov 25, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has
ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will require surgery, the club
announced on Sunday.
Rafinha played on until the end of Barca’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on
Saturday, despite appearing to feel discomfort shortly after coming off the
bench in the 46th minute.
Sergi Roberto had been the player replaced, with Barcelona also confirming
on Sunday he has a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for three to
four weeks.
Barcelona did not offer a timescale for Rafinha’s recovery but anterior
cruciate ligament injuries often take several months to heal.
A club statement said: “Rafinha has a rupture of the anterior cruciate
ligament of the left knee. In the next few days we will proceed with surgical
treatment.”
Sergi is likely to miss Barca’s remaining Champions League group games
against PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham, as well as La Liga fixtures at home to
Villarreal and away to Espanyol.
On Sergi, the club added: “Sergi Roberto will be out for between three to
four weeks with a rupture of the hamstring in his left leg.”
Unlike Sergi, Rafinha has not been a regular in Barcelona’s line-up this
season, but the Brazilian enjoyed a run in the side while Lionel Messi was
injured last month.
He started against both Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in the league, as
well as at home against Inter Milan in the Champions League, scoring the
opening goal in a 2-0 win.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1932 hrs