Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Manchester United, Raphinha, Europa League, Barcelona, Xavi
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Manchester United, Raphinha, Europa League, Barcelona, Xavi
Football has seen its fair share of bizarre injuries over the years but Barcelona star Raphinha might have just produced a contender for the strangest.
Over the last couple of weeks, Barcelona and Manchester United played out a two-legged Europa League tie for the ages.
Brazilian winger Raphinha played a key role in a thrilling first leg at Camp Nou, scoring a brilliant equaliser to draw Barca level and secure a 2-2 draw.
Advert
His goal set up a mouthwatering second leg at Old Trafford but he was unable to inspire his side again as goals from Fred and Antony saw United triumph 2-1.
Barcelona paid Leeds United £55m in the summer to sign Raphinha but the winger's first season at Camp Nou hasn't all been plain sailing. While he has scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 34 games this season, he is by no means a guaranteed starter with 14 of his appearances coming from the bench.
At times this season, the 26-year-old has let his frustration get the better of him, and that was the case in the latter stages of the first leg against United.
Advert
Six minutes after scoring the crucial equaliser, Raphinha was withdrawn by manager Xavi, despite the fact he was the home side's best player.
The Brazilian was caught on camera punching one of the seats in the dugout and, according to Mundo Deportivo, he also kicked out at a fridge containing water for the players.
Raphinha quickly came to regret the outburst, as he reportedly hurt his knee. He didn't start Barca's next match, a 2-0 win against Cadiz in La Liga, although he did return to the starting XI for the second leg at Old Trafford.
Advert
He then dropped out of the side again for a 1-0 loss at Almeria this weekend, although Xavi did introduce him to the action at half-time.
Whether the injury or his negative attitude is to blame for his recent benchings remains unclear but, either way, Raphinha would probably be wise not to kick any more refrigerators this season.