Xavi still hoping for Vitor Roque in January despite injury and FFP issues

Xavi Hernández expects Brazil striker Vitor Roque to join FC Barcelona in January, when the transfer window opens, to strengthen the squad.

The Barcelona coach denied during the press conference prior to the game against Mallorca that it was impossible for Vitor Roque to join in January, as Joan Laporta himself had suggested during a meeting with the media.

The fact is that there is still no fair play to be able to register the Brazilian and Laporta wanted to be prudent in this sense.

However, Xavi believes that the chances of him coming are there. "The possibility of him joining in January is still there", he declared.

He admitted Barcelona's doctors are in contact with Atletico Paranaense's doctors to find out the real state of Vitor Roque's injury that he suffered in the last Brazilian League match in which he was caught by an opponent last week -- ruling him for around three months.

"We have spoken to the doctors (at Atletico Paranaense), there will be no operation and he will continue with conservative treatment so that he recovers well," said Xavi.

The Brazilian club's own medical report stated that "Vitor Roque underwent tests this Friday, following the sprained right ankle suffered in the match against Internacional. With imaging tests and evaluation by the club's medical department, a ligamentous injury to the syndesmosis of the right ankle was confirmed, without the need for surgery."