Gerard Pique injury 'could force Barcelona into transfer market'

Barcelona may reportedly look to sign a short-term replacement for Gerard Pique during the January transfer window.

The 33-year-old will spend at least three months on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury against Atletico Madrid on Saturday night.

The 1-0 defeat at Wanda Metropolitano ensured that Barcelona dropped further down the table, leaving Ronald Koeman under pressure and without his number one centre-back.

According to Marca, club officials are open to the idea of allowing Koeman to bring in a fresh face for that area of the pitch.

As it stands, Clement Lenglet, Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti are fighting for two positions, leaving Barcelona short of cover.

However, given the club's current financial position, the report suggests that meetings must first take place behind the scenes to determine whether a new signing is possible.