Xavi's transfer request rejected after Dembele injury

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 29 Jan 2023 13:27 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona have a problem in attack following the injury sustained by Ousmane Dembele in their La Liga win over Girona this weekend.

The La Liga leaders enjoyed a win over Girona but it was marred by the injury to Dembele, who has been a crucial player in Barcelona’s attack this season.

He is expected to be out for about four weeks and miss crucial fixtures in La Liga and the first leg of the Europa League tie against Manchester United in the Round of 32.

READ: Ousmane Dembele: Why the Barcelona star will soon become a headache

This has created a problem for Xavi as Barcelona won’t be able to sign a replacement in January as they face financial fair play issues.

Xavi's transfer request turned down

After the match against Girona, Xavi spoke to Sporting Director Matheu Alemany and requested a signing, but was told it was not going to happen as Barcelona would break fair play regulations, according to AS.

Barcelona were already aware they would not be able to sign players as they were unable to sign a replacement for Memphis Depay, who moved to Atletico Madrid earlier in the window.

READ: Barcelona tell PSG Ousmane Dembele's massive asking price

Barcelona will have to make do for the next four weeks with four forwards: Robert Lewandowski, an out-of-form Ansu Fati, an inconsistent Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

With just a few days left of the transfer window, Jordi Cruyff also made it clear after the game that there won’t be any movement from Barcelona: “The fans can be calm. There won’t be a lot of movement in the transfer market.”

Unless there is a loan signing or a free transfer, it’s unlikely Barcelona will make a move for any player in the remaining days of the transfer window.

The full extent of Dembele’s injury will be known in a few days and Barcelona will be hoping it’s not a long lay-off at a crucial point of the season.