Barcelona's request for Rafina replacement rejected by FIFA

Barcelona's hope of being able to register one of their new signings to replace injured Brazilian midfielder Rafinha has been shattered by FIFA.

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The Spanish giant is currently under a transfer ban, and according to coach Rafa Enrique, FIFA won't budge until it is completed in January.

Rafinha will miss the rest of the season after suffering cruciate ligament damage in Barca's 1-1 draw at Roma last week.

Barca was handed the 12-month ban in January this year after breaking FIFA rules on the signing of foreign players under the age of 16.

However, it still signed Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal in the summer transfer window, despite the fact they will not be allowed to play until early next year.

"The club already consulted FIFA a few months ago and the answer was no," Luis Enrique said.

"I can say that we won't be able to count on the players we have signed until January."

The lack of options on offer to the Barcelona coach has been exacerbated by a raft of early season injuries.

Thomas Vermaelen will also miss the weekend visit of Levante, while Gerard Pique completes his four-game suspension.

However, Dani Alves may be fit to return at right-back after a three-week absence as he returned to training on Friday.