Barcelona's second-highest scorer, Rafinha, is sidelined for five weeks with a hamstring injury.

According to the latest statements from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Barcelona, key player Rafinha is expected to face a five-week break due to a right hamstring injury.

Rafinha's injury occurred during an international friendly match in Boston, USA, on Thursday. Starting for Brazil against France, Rafinha felt discomfort in his right hamstring and was forced to leave the field at halftime, as Brazil ultimately lost 1-2.

A thorough medical examination conducted on Friday further confirmed the extent of his muscle injury. Rafinha has now departed for Barcelona to begin targeted rehabilitation treatment under the guidance of the club's medical team.

As a key player in Barcelona's attack this season, Rafinha has played 31 games in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and ranking second in the team's top scorers list, highlighting his importance. However, due to a five-week recovery period, he will miss several crucial matches in April.

The most devastating blow is that Rafinha will miss both legs of the crucial Champions League quarter-final against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid on April 8th and 14th. Furthermore, he will also miss several key La Liga matches against Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Celta Vigo, and Getafe.

Despite missing out on the packed schedule in April, Barcelona still hopes that their star striker can make a comeback in the final stretch of the season.

Image source: Internet/BBC official website