Transfer Centre

Luis Enrique: 'FIFA will not allow us to sign Rafinha replacement'

By Sam McEvoy, Reporter | 19 September 2015

Luis Enrique reveals that Barcelona are unable to sign an emergency replacement for their injured midfielder Rafinha, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Roma.

Luis Enrique has revealed that FIFA will not allow Barcelona to sign an emergency replacement for their injured midfielder Rafinha, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the club's Champions League match with Roma.

The 22-year-old is expected to be out for the remainder of the season, after Radja Nainggolan's tackle caused the injury in the second half of their 1-1 draw.

However, due to an existing transfer ban, the Catalan club are being refused an emergency replacement as they find themselves short on numbers, with previous signings like Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal not available for selection until January.

"The club asked FIFA a few months ago whether we could sign new players if there were to be any long-term injuries and FIFA told us we would not be allowed to sign anyone," Enrique said at a press conference.

"It is irrelevant what I think about it. The fact remains that the FIFA sanction prevents us from signing anyone.

"Rafinha's injury is obviously sad news, but we have some good players and some very promising youngsters."

Nainggolan has since apologised for the tackle after receiving abuse on social media.