Fiorentina has announced that their Brazilian full-back Dodo underwent an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy on Friday afternoon. The 26-year-old defender, who has recently been linked with a move to Barcelona, developed appendicitis in the early hours of Friday morning, necessitating the surgical procedure.

The club stated that the operation was “perfectly successful” and that further details would be provided upon Dodo’s discharge from the hospital. Despite the sudden health issue, Dodo remained in good spirits, jokingly telling fans that “for someone who came back from a cruciate ligament injury in four months, appendicitis is nothing.”

As a result of the surgery, Dodo will miss Fiorentina’s upcoming Serie A match against Empoli on Sunday. He is also doubtful for the first leg of the Conference League semi-final against Real Betis, scheduled for the following Thursday.

With no natural replacement at right wing-back, Fiorentina may turn to central midfielder Michael Folrunsho to fill in for Dodo in the match against Empoli. Folrunsho previously covered this position when Dodo was absent for a Conference League game against Celje, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Dodo has been a crucial player for Fiorentina this season, appearing in every game since the start of the calendar year except for the aforementioned match against Celje. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they navigate their upcoming fixtures in both domestic and European competitions.