Barca new-boys set for January baptism of fire after injury blows

Despite having had a transfer ban imposed on them for breaching rules regarding the capturing of international players below the age of 18, treble champions Barcelona snapped up both Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan this year during the Winter and Summer windows.

Both La Liga stars, signed from Sevilla and Atletico Madrid respectively, have to wait until January 2016 to make their debuts due to the club’s punishment but, with serious injuries occurring to key players, they could be set for a baptism of fire.

Barcelona’s all-time leading goal scorer Messi was again instrumental in helping the club clinch La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League trophies last campaign, while midfield leader Iniesta was a key component in Luis Enrique’s side as usual. But the club are now 3/1 with Coral to retain their European crown without with the dynamic duo.

Club captain Iniesta was forced off in a Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen and was later revealed to have suffered a hamstring injury. The skipper joins Messi on the sidelines for a potentially lengthily spell, with the Argentine attacker having been ruled out for up to two months with serious knee trouble.

Such devastating injury blows come after midfielder Rafinha Alcantara also picked up a knock, while former Arsenal centre back Thomas Vermaelen continues to be plagued by set-backs, meaning the club’s title ambitions may rest on their fresh faces making awaited bows in January.

Catalonia native Vidal arrived from Sevilla for a reported £16m after helping his former club secure back-to-back Europa League successes, returning to Barcelona after previously featuring for their Under-14s as a youngster.

“After the birth of my daughter this is the most important day of my life. I’m back at what used to be my home,” said the 25-year-old wideman following his arrival.