Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that he is speaking with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco over the possibility of signing a new midfielder in January.

The Catalan giants have been hit with the news that Gavi will be missing for the remainder of the season due to the serious knee injury that he suffered while representing Spain during the international break.

Xavi opened up on the injury blow during his press conference on Friday, and there has been widespread speculation in recent days of a possible replacement being signed in the winter window.

Deco said earlier this week that the club would "evaluate" their options when it comes to bringing in a new player, with Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Lo Celso thought to be a potential target.

The Barcelona head coach has signalled a desire for a replacement to be signed, as the team are "losing a footballer for the whole season".

"Substituting Gavi? There is nothing to announce. We will speak with Deco to see what we can do," Xavi told reporters during his press conference to preview Saturday's clash with Rayo Vallecano.

"I am in contact with the president and with Deco on a daily basis. We will announce what we deem appropriate. They know my position and I know theirs and from there, it is about finding a consensus.

"Evidently we are losing a footballer for the whole season, and we will see what we can do and we will see if we can bring someone in."

There also remains uncertainty surrounding Vitor Roque; the 18-year-old has already agreed a move to Camp Nou from Athletico Paranaense, but it is unclear whether he will be arriving in January or next summer.

"This is not the time to talk about the market, honestly. We have Roque, more footballers that we watch, but tomorrow there is Rayo, then Porto, then Girona," Xavi said when asked about the teenager.

Barcelona's financial problems could prevent them from signing the Brazilian in January, but it has already been confirmed that he will move in one of the next two transfer windows.

"When the squad was drawn up, it was intended for the entire year. And that idea has not changed nor will it change regardless of fair play. I don't think we can make any move in January regardless of what happens with Roque," Deco told SPORT earlier this month when asked about the team's plans, but the situation has now seemingly changed to Gavi's injury.

"There were some changes in La Liga and we have to see it. We have people in the club, financiers, people from La Liga, people who interpret the regulations depending on our situation. We will meet with all this and see how we can face this."

Barcelona will put off-the-field matters aside on Saturday as they resume their La Liga campaign against Rayo, and number one goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the match due to a back issue, which will see the inexperienced Inaki Pena come in for his first appearance of the season. body check tags ::