Spanish giants Barcelona have, on Friday, been dealt a concerning blow on the personnel front.
This comes amid confirmation of the extent of the injury suffered by Vitor Roque.
For those not familiar with his name, Roque is a highly-regarded Brazilian striker, for whom Barcelona secured a big-money deal back in July.
The 18-year-old has since remained on loan in Brazil, with Athletico Paranaense, ahead of making the move to Catalunya in January.
Late last night, though, Roque, and Barca’s plans alike, were thrown up in the air.
This came upon the young attacker being stretchered out of Paranaense’s Brasileiro Serie A meeting with Internacional.
🇧🇷 Bad injury for Vitor Roque tonight… pic.twitter.com/1DSqfrDbZ9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 21, 2023
And, unfortunately, late on Friday, as much has been all but confirmed.
As per a number of sources across the Spanish media, Roque has torn two of the three major ligaments in his ankle.
The Brazilian international is therefore thought to have played his final game in the colours of Athletico Paranaense.
Not only that, but a meeting between the respective boards at the Camp Nou and Ligga Arena has been scheduled, at which the possibility of Roque going under the knife will be discussed.
🚑 (ROQUE): Vitor Roque played his last game for At. Paranaense. He has torn 2 of the 3 ligaments in his ankle.
There will be a joint meeting, with Barça included, to decide if the player will have surgery.#FCB 🇧🇷
Via (🟢): @tjuanmarti
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) September 22, 2023
*Update* – Contrasting reports have since surfaced, too, pointing towards a return timeline of just 40 days for the hitman.
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