MADRID, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Rafinha Alcantara will miss the rest of the season after breaking the cruciate ligament of his left knee, the Spanish press confirmed on Sunday.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury shortly after entering Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Atletico Madrid as a half time substitute. He collided with Atletico midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez, but was able to continue until the final whistle when he collapsed on the pitch.
The injury means the Brazilian will need an operation and be out of action for around 6 months.
It is the second serious injury Rafinha has suffered in his career after suffering a similar injury to his left knee in September 2015 while playing against Roma in the Champions League, while he needed an operation on the meniscus ligament of his right knee in September 2017.
Saturday's game was expensive for Barca, who also lost right back Sergi Roberto with a muscle injury which will keep him out of action for 3 or 4 weeks.
