Rafinha set for lengthy lay-off

Posted Thursday, September 17, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Rafinha is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he prepares to undergo surgery on the knee injury he suffered against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was forced off just three minutes after his introduction in the second-half of Barcelona's 1-1 draw in Rome, having been caught by a strong challenge from Giallorossi midfielder Radja Nainggolan.

Rafinha was carried off on a stretcher and Barca head coach Luis Enrique conceded after the match that it "doesn't look good" for the Brazil international.

Their worst fears were confirmed on Thursday when a scan of the injury revealed the Blaugrana youth product had torn his right anterior cruciate ligament and was due to have an operation this week.

Rafinha is expected to be ruled out for at least six months, although reports in Spain have suggested the injury has ended his season completely.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Tests this morning have revealed that FC Barcelona midfielder Rafael Alcantara - also known as 'Rafinha' - has suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days."