Barcelona has been dealt a big blow just as it thought the team was entering cruise control with their on-field performances.
Vitor Roque, the Blaugranas’ new acquisition, sustained a horrifying injury on duty with Athletico Paranaense Friday night and was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
A serious injury
Roque’s injuries did not appear to have a promising prognosis at first glance, and examinations confirmed this
Tigrinho’s ankle ligaments were damaged after his accident yesterday night, according to ESPN reporting. His injury is severe enough that he may never play for Athletico Paranaense again.
Roque is set to join Barcelona in January if the team can clear the Financial Fairplay hurdle. Given that he would now have to undergo surgery, his recuperation time will not allow him to return until 2024.
The Azulgranas would have preferred not to have the player have surgery so early in his career, especially given the unpleasant taste Ansu Fati’s operation left in their mouth. However, it looks that the surgeon’s chamber is the only alternative.
Curtains on a great season
The 18-year-old was a force to reckon with in this season’s Brasileiro Serie A this season. He racked up 11 goals and three assists in just 22 appearances for Athletico Paranaense and averaged just under one key pass per game.
His phenomenal performances did not go unnoticed and earned him the big-money move to Barcelona.
Considering that he is likely to join Barcelona in January, it remains to be seen if the club takes charge of his recovery.