Barca's Rafinha set for long absence after rupturing cruciate ligament

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."
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."