Luis Enrique: 'Barcelona won't buy Thomas Vermaelen replacement'

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has revealed that he has no plans to sign another central defender in January to replace long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian international, who joined the Blaugrana from Arsenal in the summer, has been ruled out for up to six months and requires surgery on a thigh injury.

However, Enrique has claimed that the Catalan giants will not need to reinforce their backline.

He told reporters: "There's no intention of reinforcements in principle, but what plans the club have is another thing. We have no doubts that Vermaelen will be a good signing for us.

"In football, injuries are normal and players have to go through these processes. That has been the case with Thomas since he arrived at the club. The team is playing well and we have to support the player. With the speed at which time passes, he'll be with us soon."

Vermaelen is yet to make an appearance for Barca since moving to Camp Nou.