Rafinha ready for Barcelona return after long lay-off

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has been given the all-clear to resume playing after almost nine months on the sidelines.

The Brazil international has been out since damaging knee ligaments during Barca’s 4-1 win over Granada on April 2.

The 24-year-old, who had scored seven goals in 28 appearances last season prior to his injury, had initially been expected to be out until August but he had to wait until Monday to finally get the green light from the club’s medical team.

A Barca statement read: “Rafinha receives medical clearance. After an arthroscopic procedure to fix the injury to his internal meniscus, the Brazilian midfielder has been working hard in order to be able to return to action.”

Barca are six points clear at the top of LaLiga and play defending champions Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday.