Rafael
24-Year-Old Defender Manchester United Premier Full Name: Rafael Pereira da Silva
Brazil
January 23, 2015 Rafael News
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Rafael (face) was available off the bench for Friday's FA Cup match against Cambridge United, but he did not end up playing.
Rafael had been sidelined with a broken cheekbone, but even a return to fitness couldn't get him on the pitch. With a nearly fully-fit squad, it's unclear if Rafael will be able to fight his way back into manager Louis van Gaal's starting lineup.
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Rafael
Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 36
Published April 24, 2014
Daniel Sturridge is expected to return Sunday against Chelsea after missing last weekend's match at Norwich City with a hamstring injury.
More Rafael Articles View Last 30
Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 35 April 17, 2014
Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 33 April 3, 2014
Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 30 March 13, 2014
Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 29 March 6, 2014
Rafael: Past News Updates ( ▲ View most recent update )
January 11, 2015
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Rafael was not in the 18-man squad to face Southampton on Sunday, as he is still recovering from a broken cheekbone.
Manager Louis van Gaal had a nearly-fully fit side heading into the match, so it's unclear if Rafael would have played anyway.
January 9, 2015
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Manager Louis van Gaal said Friday that Rafael has recovered after having surgery on his cheekbone, but he may be held out of Sunday's match against Southampton.
Given the hesitancy to clear him, it wouldn't be surprising if Rafael was kept on the bench, if he's even in the 18-man squad, for the Saints match, with a potential return coming Jan. 17 against QPR at Loftus Road.
January 5, 2015
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed Rafael suffered a facial fracture in the first half of the team's 2-0 win over Yeovil, reports Sky Sports.
Rafael was withdrawn at halftime due to the injury, and the manager praised the defender for his toughness. There is no word on how long he will be out quite yet.
December 21, 2014
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Rafael (groin) was an unused substitute for Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Rafael missed only two full months with a groin injury, and likely wasn't going to get back in the starting XI in his first match back. With United suddenly healthy in the back, Rafael could find regular playing time tough to come by.
November 11, 2014
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said Tuesday that Rafael (muscular injury) will likely not be fit to face Arsenal on Nov. 22 after the international break, The Guardian reports.
Van Gaal left open the possibility that Rafael could be available off the bench, though that surely limits his fantasy value as a defender.
November 2, 2014
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Rafael is out for Sunday's Manchester derby after picking up a knock, ESPN FC reports.
Antonio Valencia will replace Rafael on Sunday, and while he'll be responsible for sending crosses in, his fantasy value isn't great given the City attack and his midfield position in most fantasy games.
September 14, 2014
RotoWire Fantasy Analysis
Rafael has overcome a groin injury and is in the starting XI for Manchester United's Premier League match against QPR on Sunday.
Rafael was not expected to be part of manager Louis van Gaal's plans for the season, but with so many questions on the back line, the Dutchman will at least see what Rafael can do against one of the weaker sides in the Premier League.
