Vitor Roque had initially been expected to complete a move to the Catalan outfit in July, but the 18-year-old officially joined the La Liga champions from Athletico Paranaense at the start of this month.
Barcelona are currently without six players through injury, with Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Raphinha, Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez and Marcos Alonso all sidelined.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal are also unavailable for Thursday's Copa del Rey clash with Unionistas through suspension.
There have been suggestions that Barcelona could find a way to boost their squad before the end of the January transfer window, but Xavi has insisted that will not be the case.
«Barca would not be able to afford it. We have to find a way to compete. We are in one of the most difficult situations in the club's history,» Xavi told reporters during Wednesday's press conference.
«I have encountered difficulties from day one. I am a Cule and I want to pull the cart. I'm the first to encourage the players. It's complicated but we are competing.»
Xavi also opened up on Gavi's absence, with the Spain international out for the remainder of the season due to the serous knee injury that he suffered while representing his country towards the end of last year.
«Gavi's injury is a stab in the heart. It is a reality. Or the injury to Ter Stegen, who is one of the captains. These are not excuses, it's a reality. The economic situation is a reality. We will continue to fight. There is only one Gavi in the world. It is difficult to replace such a player. We miss him,» he added.
Ter Stegen and
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