OMNISPORT

Aleix Vidal's horror injury could force Barcelona into the transfer market.

Full-back Vidal is facing five months on the sidelines after suffering a dislocated ankle during Saturday's 6-0 win over Alaves.

Vidal, 27, had struggled for his best form at Barca since signing from Sevilla in 2015 but enjoyed a productive run of late before his sickening setback.

Luis Enrique's squad is short of specialist cover at right-back, with midfielder Sergi Roberto redeployed following Dani Alves' departure to Juventus last close season.

Speaking ahead of the Tuesday's Champions League last-16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique conceded he could look to strengthen in the next transfer window as Vidal begins an arduous rehabilitation

"Aleix is already on the process to recovery. It's a question of trying to get better on a day-to-day basis," the Barca boss told a news conference.

"This is the first phase now, which is perhaps more tranquil but more difficult for the player.

"It is a player who we are going to miss considerably because we don't have the biggest of squads.

"It is an option we are considering and we will see if we can find someone that suits us."