Barcelona confirm transfer plan to replace injured Alejandro Balde
- Balde is expected to miss the remainder of the season through injury
- Sporting director Deco is keen to recruit a replacement
- Midfield also an area of concern after Gavi's injury
By Tom Gott
Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the club will look to replace injured left-back Alejandro Balde before the transfer window closes.
Balde suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month and scans on the issue revealed a fresh thigh tendon problem, with season-ending surgery the likely cause of action once all the details are finalised.
The only other natural left-back in the Barcelona squad, Marcos Alonso, is also out injured and Joao Cancelo's minor knock saw Xavi name young right-back Hector Fort as his starter on the left in the 5-3 defeat to Villarreal.
Speaking to DAZN, Deco confirmed a new signing could be made if Barcelona can free up enough money.
"The first idea is to try to be clear about Balde, the medical tests are being done and I think they were finished yesterday, it is an issue that internally we have to do with the doctors, with the player, with his staff, with the coach," Deco said.
"Also if it becomes clear that we can do something [in the transfer market] we will try it, for sure."
WILL THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW DELIVER?
The dilemma for Barcelona, however, is that Deco said the same thing about Gavi. The 19-year-old midfielder is out for the season with a serious knee injury and reinforcing in midfield was the club's top priority before Balde went down.
Deco has also confirmed the club do not have enough Financial Fair Play flexibility to make any permanent signings, while loan deals are also expected to be problematic. Barcelona registered striker Vitor Roque at the start of the month but have not been able to make any further signings as a result.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, defenders Inigo Martinez and Sergi Roberto and forward Raphinha are also out injured for Barcelona, whose sights are now set on Champions League success after appearing to accept defeat in La Liga's title race at the weekend.
Xavi's side, who were dumped out of the Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey earlier this month, are now ten points behind Real Madrid and 11 behind leaders Girona, who have played one game more.
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