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Xavi: 'Barcelona cannot afford to make further January signings'

Xavi: 'Barcelona cannot afford to make further January signings'
© Reuters
Barcelona head coach Xavi says that there will be no further incomings at Camp Nou this month.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that there will be no further incomings at Camp Nou this month due to the club's well-documented financial problems.

Vitor Roque had initially been expected to complete a move to the Catalan outfit in July, but the 18-year-old officially joined the La Liga champions from Athletico Paranaense at the start of this month.

Barcelona are currently without six players through injury, with Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Raphinha, Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez and Marcos Alonso all sidelined.

Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal are also unavailable for Thursday's Copa del Rey clash with Unionistas through suspension.

There have been suggestions that Barcelona could find a way to boost their squad before the end of the January transfer window, but Xavi has insisted that will not be the case.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on January 14, 2024© Reuters

"Barca would not be able to afford it. We have to find a way to compete. We are in one of the most difficult situations in the club's history," Xavi told reporters during Wednesday's press conference.

"I have encountered difficulties from day one. I am a Cule and I want to pull the cart. I'm the first to encourage the players. It's complicated but we are competing."

Xavi also opened up on Gavi's absence, with the Spain international out for the remainder of the season due to the serous knee injury that he suffered while representing his country towards the end of last year.

"Gavi's injury is a stab in the heart. It is a reality. Or the injury to Ter Stegen, who is one of the captains. These are not excuses, it's a reality. The economic situation is a reality. We will continue to fight. There is only one Gavi in the world. It is difficult to replace such a player. We miss him," he added.

Spain's Gavi reacts after sustaining an injury on November 19, 2023© Reuters

Ter Stegen and Alonso are unlikely to be available for Barcelona before March, but Martinez, Raphinha and Cancelo are not expected to spend too much longer on the sidelines.

There has been speculation surrounding Xavi's future amid claims that he is losing the support of the dressing room, but the club's legendary midfielder insisted that he still has the backing of the squad.

Barcelona have not been in La Liga action since beating Las Palmas 2-1 at the start of the month, but they have three league games in quick succession before the end of January, taking on Real Betis, Villarreal and Osasuna.

The Catalan outfit are also still active in the Champions League, with the first leg of their last-16 tie against Italian champions Napoli set to take place on February 21 before the return in Italy on March 12.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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