Rafael Suffers Injury

David Moyes says Rafael da Silva suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s FA Community Shield win at Wembley, though the Reds boss isn’t too concerned about its severity.

Rafa was replaced by Chris Smalling after just 16 minutes in the capital, where the Reds ran out 2-0 winners against a competitive but ultimately limited Wigan Athletic side.

However, when quizzed on the blow by MUTV, Moyes said the Brazilian’s early exit was more of a precaution than a necessary act. Of course, the injury is almost irrelevant, given that the defender is already suspended from playing in next weekend’s Barclays Premier League opener at Swansea City.

“Rafa said that he felt his hamstring and in a game like this when you have an opportunity to make substitutes, it was fine,” Moyes said. “He is suspended for the first game of the season anyway, so in a way, I wouldn’t say it doesn’t matter but it won’t have an effect on what we do next weekend.”