Rafael Injury: Updates on Manchester United Star's Cheek and Return

Manchester United's wave of injuries continued on Jan. 4, as Louis van Gaal revealed right-back Rafael's half-time substitution during the team's FA Cup match against Yeovil Town came as the result of an injury to his cheek he suffered in the first half. He underwent successful surgery and expects to be back training soon.

Continue for updates.

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Rafael Out vs. Southampton

Sunday, Jan. 11

As expected, Manchester United confirmed Rafael would not play today:

On Friday, Manchester United's official Twitter feed provided a synopsis manager Louis van Gaal discussing Rafael missing the match:

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Rafael Undergoes Successful Surgery

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Yesterday, Rafael posted a message on Instagram informing fans when he expects to return:

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Rafael Taken to Hospital with Cheek Injury

Sunday, Jan. 4

In addition to Rafael, Luke Shaw also left the pitch with an injury, and per the club's official Twitter feed, it forced Van Gaal to change his system:  

He elaborated in this post-match interview:

According to The National's Andy Mitten, the defender picked up an injury to his cheek and the 24-year-old was taken to the hospital immediately after for confirmation:

With Shaw and Paddy McNair also hobbled during the third-round match, United are quickly starting to run out of eligible defenders. Rafael has been the club's most consistent right-back, and with the January transfer window now open, one has to assume Van Gaal will look to add at least one similar defender to his squad.