Barcelona star Raphinha injured after ‘kicking a fridge’ in tantrum following substitution against Manchester United in Europa League clash

Barcelona forward Raphinha suffered an unusual injury after kicking a fridge following his side’s draw against Manchester United.

The 26-year-old played a key part in the first leg of Barca’s Europa League knockout playoff first leg at the Camp Nou on February 16.

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AFP

Raphinha netted and produced an assist in the 2-2 draw, but showed his frustrations when being substituted on 82 minutes.

Reports had suggested the former Leeds talisman had been dropped for the next match against Cadiz following his conduct by boss Xavi, but that is not the case.

Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, have since claimed the Brazil international was left out due to a sore knee after lashing out a fridge.

Raphinha returned to the starling lineup for the return leg against Man United, but could not prevent his side from losing 2-1 at Old Trafford, which ended their European trail.

The versatile forward was back amongst the substitutes in Barcelona’s surprise 1-0 defeat to Almeria on Sunday night in LaLiga.

He was introduced in the second-half, as Barca failed to maintain their eight point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the summit.

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Xavi has since revealed Raphinha has apologised for his outburst and there is no issue with the player.

“I understand Raphinha’s anger. He has apologised to me, but he doesn’t have to,” Xavi said.

“I always ask my players for ambition and he has been [ambitious]. It also bothered me when they replaced me.”

The Barcelona frontman has found the net seven times and contributed nine assists in 34 matches so far.

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