Barcelona 2024 January signing set to undergo surgery ahead of transfer – report

Just when it appeared like Barcelona were entering cruise control with their on-field performances, the club have been dealt a massive blow.

The Blaugranas’ new signing, Vitor Roque, suffered a horrific injury on duty with Athletico Paranaense last night and went off the field on a stretcher.

A serious injury

Roque’s injury did not appear to present a favorable prognosis prima facie, and tests have confirmed the same.

According to reports from ESPN, Tigrinho ruptured his ankle ligaments during the fall he suffered last night. His injury is serious to the extent that he may never feature in an Athletico Paranaense shirt again.

Roque is expected to join Barcelona in January if the club can create sufficient room on the Financial Fairplay front. Considering that he will now have to undergo surgery, his recovery period will not enable a return before 2024, in any case.

The Azulgranas would have liked to avoid surgery on the player so early on in his career, especially given the bitter taste Ansu Fati’s surgery left in their mouth. Yet, there appears to be no option apart from the surgeon’s chamber.

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.