Barcelona winger Raphinha ‘picked up an injury by kicking a FRIDGE’ in anger during Man United clash

Barcelona’s Raphinha reportedly injured himself by ‘kicking a fridge in anger’ during Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

The winger, who joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in a £55 million move over the summer, was a threat throughout the game, picking up a goal and an assist.

He was still subbed off after 82 minutes, though. The Brazil international looked apoplectic at being taken off, and was seen punching the seat in front of him.

Raphinha was then relegated to the bench for Barca’s next game against Cadiz, although he returned to the starting line-up for the second Europa League leg on Thursday, which United won 2-1 to knock the five-time Champions League winners out of the tournament.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha’s absence in the Cadiz game came as a result of a ‘sore knee’ from kicking a fridge in the United game, although it cannot have been a serious injury as he did replace Robert Lewandowski for the last 15 minutes of the 2-0 win at Cadiz.

The wheels have come off Barca’s season somewhat in the past week, with their Europa League exit followed by a league loss to struggling Almeria.

Xavi’s side has lost just one league game all season before Sunday, but were pipped by a side who remain two points from the relegation zone.

Their lead at the top of La Liga is now down to just seven points, with Real Madrid closing in after a 1-1 draw with rivals at Atletico on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are likely to face the extra burden of European football for much of the season, but are still likely to push Barca for the title if they cannot recover their form.

Xavi fumed at his players after the Almeria loss. He said: ‘This was our worst match of the season. I’m very p****d off. It was too difficult.

‘We weren’t there. We weren’t inside the match. There are no excuses today. We didn’t deserve to win and we have to take responsibility. 

‘We lacked passion in the first half. In the second half, we tried everything… 3-4-3, Araujo as a striker… Nothing. 

‘It wasn’t meant to be. It was not enough. If we don’t change our mental chip now, it will cost us the league title.’

Barca’s next match will present an excellent chance to build momentum away from the league, as they face Real in an El Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey.