Report: Barcelona to extend Rafinha contract despite cruciate ligament injury

Barcelona are expected to extend the contract of midfielder Rafinha despite the player facing a lengthy injury after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Roma.

The Brazil international is said to have been in discussions with Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez and had been close to agreeing a new deal before being injured.

While the player now faces a long spell on the sidelines, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barca will stick to the agreement, which runs into 2021, as a vote of confidence in the 22-year-old.

Rafinha has made 45 appearances for the Barcelona first team since his debut in 2011, scoring three goals.