Barcelona may request clearance to replace Vermaelen

Barça are weighing up the idea of asking permission to make an emergency signing in the shape of a centre-back to replace Thomas Vermaelen, who has been ruled out for five months.

Despite having been handed a two-window transfer ban for irregularities in their dealings with players under 16, Barcelona are considering appealing to FIFA to let them make an exception. FIFA regulations do cater for the possibility of clubs bringing in players outside the transfer window in the event of long-term injuries, a description that certainly applies to Vermaelen. The Belgian, who has yet to make his 'Azulgranas' debut, has been plagued by a problem with his right hamstring for a year now and is set to go under the knife next week in an attempt to resolve it, keeping him sidelined until next May.