Barcelona injury news: La Liga giants confirm midfielder Rafinha to undergo knee surgery

Barcelona star Rafinha is expected to be on the sidelines after the club confirmed the midfielder will undergo a surgery on 7 April.

The Brazil international suffered a knee injury in his side's 4-1 league win over Granada on 2 April. He sustained an injury on his right meniscus that forced him to come off the pitch and was replaced by Paco Alcacer early in the game.

Earlier medical reports said that the 24-year-old has "slightly injured the internal meniscus" on his right knee. However, after monitoring his developments for the last 48 hours, the club's medical staff advised the South American midfielder to undergo surgery, which will be performed by Dr Ramon Cugat and Dr Ricard Pruna.

"Following further examination 48hrs after the injury, the decision has been taken to submit the first team player Rafinha to an arthoscopy at the hands of Dr Ramon Cugat and Dr Ricard Pruna on Friday. Once the surgery is over, the time the player will be out will be determined," a statement read on Barcelona's official website.

"The Brazilian midfielder was injured in the game against Granada. After initial tests by the Club's medical services, it was announced that the player had a slight injury to his internal meniscus in his right knee. 48 hours later it has been decided that he will undergo an arthoscopy."

It is still not clear as to how long Rafinha will be out of action following the surgery. Luis Enrique will take his men to Italy next as they face Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on 11 April and the former Celta Vigo loanee is most likely to miss his side's upcoming European fixture.

The return leg against Juventus will be played at Camp Nou on 19 April, four days prior to their El Clasico clash against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. Should he miss these key fixtures, it will be a massive blow for Enrique and Barcelona, as he has scored seven goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season.