Rafael da Silva undergoes successful operation

Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has revealed that he has undergone a successful operation on his fractured cheekbone.

The full-back sustained the injury during the first half of his side's FA Cup third-round win over Yeovil Town on Sunday, staying on the field until the break, when he was withdrawn.

The 24-year-old revealed on Twitter that surgery on the problem went well and that he should be back in training as early as Friday.

Operation was perfect back training normal on Friday very happy. 😄😄thanks god for everything 🙏🙏 http://t.co/aclpJrilyW

— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) January 6, 2015

United manager Louis van Gaal praised Rafael's mentality after he played on through the pain at Huish Park.