Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 8y

Barcelona are ready for January transfer window - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique has suggested Barcelona are ready to make moves in the January transfer window.

Barca have been hit by injuries to players including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Rafinha, with summer signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal unable to feature until January because of a transfer ban.

Celta Vigo attacker Nolito is thought to be a January target, although budgetary considerations mean some squad members may have to be moved on.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of Saturday's home game against Rayo Vallecano, Luis Enrique said: "Already since the summer we have been working on this. The club has not said anything to me about any financial situation."

Messi is sidelined with a knee ligament injury which Barca have said will keep him out until late November.

The 28-year-old is expected to return in time for the Clasico at Real Madrid on Nov. 21, although reports have suggested Argentina want their captain available for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Colombia the week before.

Asked whether he was concerned about pressure from the Argentine FA (AFA), Luis Enrique said: "These are rumours.

"I am sure that the AFA and Barca are only interested in Messi recovering 100 percent. The key is not for him to return for any particular game, but that he gets back fully fit."

The coach also said he was not worried by Neymar's former club Santos, who are attempting to have him banned for six months by FIFA due to alleged irregularities in his move to the Camp Nou.

"Six months! Why not ask for six years?" he said.

He warned that Barcelona would need to be on their guard against Rayo, adding: "Tomorrow it is important to have possession, because they can take that away from us.

"Our pressing and attitude in defence are important."

The Asturian was asked whether he would like to become Spain national coach, with Vicente del Bosque likely to retire after next summer's Euro 2016 finals.

He said: "Yes, I would like that. I would like that a lot."

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