London, April 25 (IANS): Manchester United Brazilian defender Rafael will miss the rest of the season due to a rib injury, the club has reported on its official website.
The 24-year-old Rafael suffered the injury in a game with the Under-21 team against Leicester City last Monday, reports Efe.
Dutch coach Louis van Gaal confirmed the gravity of Rafael's injury. He has only played 10 English Premier League games this season.
"It's unbelievable. He has broken his ribs so he shall not play any more this season for Manchester United. It's very unfortunate," Van Gaal said.
Manchester United is third in the league table, one point away from the second place Arsenal, and 11 points away from the leading Chelsea, with five rounds left in the competition.