Luis Enrique: "We don't intend to strengthen at centre-back"

With Vermaelen set to undergo surgery on Tuesday and expected to be sidelined for between four and six months, Luis Enrique has confirmed at a press conference that the club does not intend to strengthen at centre-back during the January transfer window.

Vermaelen's injury: "Injuries are unfortunately part of professional football, because it's a tough game with lots of physical contact. That's been Thomas' case since he joined the club. We understand that surgery is the best solution to get him fit and playing for the team. The team are fine. We don't intend to strengthen in that position".

Valencia, their next opponents: "Valencia are on another level this season, win or lose, this game won't prove decisive".

Defence: "We've improved a lot in defence despite not having a particularly tall team".

Iniesta: "Iniesta is fine. He's improved a lot and trained with the rest of the team over the past few days. Now we have to be careful. I always miss any player who is out injured, and Iniesta is so much more than just a player".

Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or statement: "I respect their opinion. Everybody has to defend their own interests. In my opinion, the best player this season is Leo Messi".

No place for Montoya: "He's an exemplary player with a great personality. It's nothing more than a tactical decision and I could be wrong. I have no doubt that he's good enough to play at the highest level, but I make the decisions here".