Barcelona: Rafinha out for six months

The Brazilian has been successfully operated on after his knee injury that he picked up against Atletico Madrid.

Rafinha came on as a substitute for the injured Sergi Roberto against Atletico Madrid but picked up an injury of his own although he did finish the match. His decision to stay at the club in the summer was a brave one considering how well he had performed in his loan spell away at Internazionale as well as the competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield. Unfortunately, this injury appears to have ruined his long-term future with the club.

Barcelona have officially announced that the surgery on his left knee ligaments by Dr Ramon Cugat was a success, however, it will rule him out for six months so he is essentially out for the rest of the season. He’s had two previous long-term injuries which means that this one isn’t anything new to him, but Barcelona have got to start considering whether they can rely on him. Altogether he’s only played eight games this season and a total of 348 minutes.

Carles Alena has broken through into the first team and other La Masia talents such as Riqui Puig and Oriol Busquets are threatening to do the same, so the Brazilian’s inability to hold down a first team spot, partially due to injury, is just serving as a roadblock for these players because he is denying them opportunities.

Rafinha’s versatility means that he was used in midfield as well as part of the front three by Ernesto Valverde, so fringe players such as Malcom are set to benefit as they are more likely to be used as impact substitutes while he is out. It could force Valverde into taking more risks with his selections which is a bonus considering how naturally conservative he is.

It would be best for his career if Rafinha opted to move on in the summer as he’s highly unlikely to ever be a regular starter for the club and he could get plenty of playing time at other big clubs around Europe as shown by his Inter spell.