Barcelona having doubts about signing a centre-back reinforcement in January | Barca Universal

"The Catalans would be able to register a new player if Christensen's injury exceeds four months on the sidelines. Barcelona would have time until the close of the winter transfer window, taking into account the deadlines for submitting the case to La Liga's Medical Commission and the 20 days following that commission's report. In that scenario, the club would be able to use 80 per cent of the player's salary space to register any new signing that they do make in January."

"However, according to MARCA, Barcelona are having serious doubts about entering the market for centre-back reinforcements in January. No definitive decision has yet been taken by the Blaugrana, but at present the feeling is that the market does not offer convincing options. The Catalans would be able to register a new player if Christensen's injury exceeds four months on the sidelines."

"That, coupled with Ronald Araujo's absence due to mental health reasons, leaves Barça light in the centre-back department. Even though Araujo is expected to come back after the Christmas break, question marks remain over the level he will show upon his return. And, Eric Garcia has been preferred in the defensive midfield role more and more by manager Hansi Flick."

Andreas Christensen will be out for around four months following an injury, creating a deficit in Barcelona's centre-back options. Ronald Araujo is absent for mental health reasons and is expected to return after the Christmas break, though his performance level is uncertain. Eric Garcia has increasingly been used in a defensive midfield role by manager Hansi Flick. Barcelona currently doubts that January market options will adequately replace centre-back needs. The club could register a new player if Christensen's layoff exceeds four months, following La Liga Medical Commission procedures and a subsequent 20-day period. If eligible, Barcelona could use 80 per cent of the new player's salary space to register a signing, but the club plans to monitor Araujo's recovery before making a rushed decision.

Read at Barca Universal