Barcelona to miss Rafinha for six months after surgery

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha is expected to be out for six months after under going knee surgery.

The 22-year-old midfielder suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament during last week's 1-1 Champions League draw at Roma.

A statement on Barcelona's official website on Tuesday confirmed Rafinha had undergone a successful operation and that he will begin a lengthy rehabilitation.

The statement read:  "According to the club’s medical services, Rafinha has been operated successfully on by doctors Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna following the cruciate ligament right knee injury that he suffered in the game against Roma. 

"The player is expected to be out for around six months."

Barca are unable to field any new signings until January 2016 as a result of their transfer ban, but they have appealed to Fifa to allow them to field Arda Turan or Aleix Vidal due to the long term absence of the midfielder.