BARCELONA // Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has broken his nose and could miss their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday as well as the first match of their Uefa Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain on February 14.
The Brazil international was inadvertently kicked in the face by his goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao and was forced to leave the pitch with a bloodied face.
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The player posted a picture on social media after the game of a thick gash above his eyebrow, although Barcelona’s medical report stated he had also injured his nose. “Tests have confirmed Rafinha has a broken nose. The evolution of his wound will determine his availability,” it said.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was also taken off against Athletic with what appeared to be a hamstring strain, although the club’s medical report said he was substituted as a precaution and has not made any further announcement on the injury.
* Reuters
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