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Getafe 1 Malaga 0: Scepovic gets Getafe up and running
18 September 2015 22:33
Stefan Scepovic's early goal was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Getafe over Malaga and haul Fran Escriba's team off the foot of La Liga.
Getafe headed into Friday's encounter at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez having started the season with three straight defeats, but enjoyed the perfect tonic for their ills.
Victor Rodriguez, a thorn in the side of the Malaga defence throughout, worked his way into right-hand side of the visitors' penalty area and supplied a measured cross for Celtic loanee Scepovic to nod home inside two minutes.
Malaga's best chance came when Ricardo Horta powered beyond the Getafe backline, only to slice wide, while Scepovic's assurance in front of goal deserted him when he missed horribly at the back post from close range.
Shortly before the hour, Rodriguez embarked upon a mazy run that would have brought Getafe a deserved second, only for goalkeeper Idriss Kameni to deny him.
The hosts dropped deep thereafter, with Angel Lafita slicing wide on an increasingly rare foray forward, but they hung on to leave Malaga winless and with two points from four matches.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says a forward pairing of Jackson Martinez and Fernando Torres is a possibility ahead of Saturday's clash with Eibar.
Simeone has paired both Torres and close-season signing Martinez with Antoine Griezmann in Atletico's three La Liga outings this term, with his side picking up six points prior to defeat to Barcelona.
Luciano Vietto and Martinez led the line for Atleti in their midweek Champions League victory over Galatasaray, with Simeone open to the prospect of shuffling his pack for the weekend.
"Of course it is possible that we could play with Jackson and Torres," explained the Argentinian.
"They are two different forwards. One is more positional, the other faster. One left-footed, the other right-footed. Certainly, they are compatible.
"The team is growing into their football. Jackson and Vietto are sure that they are doing better.
"Gabi is fine. Oliver [Torres] also. Alongside Fernando we have plenty of internal competition.
"You try to balance the needs of the players, but by the fourth round they will all have played except [Miguel Angel] Moya, [Stefan] Savic, Lucas [Hernandez] and Thomas [Partey].
"I have a competitive squad and it is that competition that will make us better."
Roberto Carlos rates Neymar as better than Messi and Ronaldo
17 September 2015 23:31
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has stressed that he prefers Neymar over his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as the two best players around in the game and have won seven Ballon d'Ors between them over the past seven years.
Nevertheless, Roberto Carlos feels his compatriot should not be underestimated and is on his way to surpass the duo.
"People are always talking about whether Messi or Ronaldo is the best, but for me it's Neymar," Roberto Carlos was quoted as saying by AS.
"Barcelona's Neymar does a lot more than Brazil's Neymar, because the team is better established. Brazil are building a team for next year's Copa America.
"The Neymar we see at Barcelona is his best version. It is too much responsibility for him to be Brazil's leader already.
"He has Messi and Luis Suarez alongside him at Barcelona, which makes him feel more comfortable."
Neymar has netted once in three appearances in all competitions for Barcelona so far in 2015-16.
Atletico Madrid have announced Koke suffered a hamstring injury against Eibar on Saturday after the midfielder underwent an MRI scan.
The Spain international was forced off with the problem in the 61st minute and replaced by Argentinian youngster Angel Correa, with Atletico being held by their hosts at the time.
Correa made a swift impact, scoring a fine goal a minute later as Atletico went on to win 2-0 – Fernando Torres adding the second 13 minutes from time.
But Koke's injury left a sour taste for coach Diego Simeone, who will almost certainly be without the midfielder for Tuesday's contest at home to Getafe and at Villarreal on Saturday.
The club are yet to reveal how long they expect Koke to be out for.
Sevilla will be without Ever Banega for up to a month after the influential midfielder suffered a sprained right knee.
The Argentina international was substituted at half-time during his club's 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday and Sevilla have confirmed that he sustained a grade-two sprain of his lateral collateral knee ligament.
Banega stands to miss high-profile fixtures including Barcelona's trip to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 3, which comes either side of Champions League encounters against Juventus and Manchester City.
The 27-year-old scored a second-half penalty when Sevilla began their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach last week, but they are yet to taste victory in La Liga so far this term, taking a meagre two points from four domestic fixtures.
Banega joins a lengthy list of walking wounded at Sevilla, with Nico Pareja, Daniel Carriço, Adil Rami, Beto, Gael Kakuta and Sergio Escudero all short of full fitness at present.
The former Valencia man is also unlikely to feature when Argentina begin their 2018 World Cup qualifying bid against Ecuador and Paraguay next month.
Celta Vigo v Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Alves appreciate tough test
21 September 2015 17:03
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has urged focus from his Barcelona team-mates ahead of their trip to face high-flying Celta Vigo in La Liga.
Barca have enjoyed a perfect start to their title defence, with Sunday’s 4-1 win over Levante making it four wins out of four domestically.
Celta are only two points behind after first-half goals from Nolito and Daniel Wass inspired them to a 2-1 win at Sevilla ahead of the season's first round of midweek league fixtures.
"On Wednesday we have a tough game," Ter Stegen, who is enjoying his first run of La Liga action for Barcelona as a result of Claudio Bravo's calf injury, told the club's official website.
"Maintaining this level of play is very tough because we have games every three days and we have to be very focused."
Dani Alves returned at right-back against Levante following a groin problem and the Brazil international is wary of the threat posed by Nolito, who has scored four times in his previous three outings.
"I have to study Nolito because he's electric," Alves said on the Barcelona website.
"He's intense and a big challenge, and in the end we play to go against the best. I know how difficult that is and I hope to be up to the challenge if the coach plays me.
"We always think about how well we're going to play, we are always positive. We know we have to play our best if we want to continue winning."
Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are poised to return to the Barcelona starting XI after they were rested against Levante, while Gerard Pique is available for La Liga action for the first time this season after completing a four-match ban.
Celta defender Jonny will sit out the contest, serving a suspension of his own having collected a second booking during the closing stages at Sevilla.
Barcelona won the corresponding fixture last season 1-0 in April thanks to a Jeremy Mathieu goal but Celta were victorious by the same margin on their last visit to the Camp Nou - Joaquin Larrivey netting a 55th-minute winner.
Such displays have won an admirer in the form of Barca coach Luis Enrique, who was in charge of Celta for a season before returning to take over at the Catalan giants last year.
"Celta are one of the most entertaining teams to watch, not just in Spain but in Europe," he told reporters after Barca's weekend victory.
Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid: Benitez out to continue impressive start
21 September 2015 20:28
Rafael Benitez will look to continue his impressive start to life at Real Madrid when they face the tough trip to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
While some questioned Benitez's appointment at Santiago Bernabeu, he has enjoyed one of the best starts at the club in recent years, matching the records of Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho
Madrid have won three and drawn one of Benitez's opening four league matches in charge and are yet to concede a goal, a record only bettered in recent times by Manuel Pellegrini's four wins from four at the start of 2009-10.
A trip to San Mames is a real test, though, with Athletic having won the corresponding fixture 1-0 last season.
Benitez faces an anxious wait on the fitness of Sergio Ramos (shoulder) ahead of Wednesday's match after the defender trained alone on Monday, while Gareth Bale (calf), James Rodriguez (thigh) and Danilo (foot) are definitely out.
Ramos missed the 1-0 win over Granada at the weekend with the injury, so Benitez could partner Pepe with Raphael Varane for a second successive outing.
There is better news for the hosts, though, with the return of Ander Iturraspe following a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since July.
Iturraspe took part in training ahead of Madrid's visit and hopes to be a part of what he knows will be a tough encounter.
"I felt good during training, I was fine, I am available. We have a very important game. We need to win," he said.
"They have a team at superlative level, there are not many differences from playing them now or later [in the season].
"We have to play our game, we know we can beat them but it is very complicated.
"When it comes to playing Madrid it is always a big party, the atmosphere is always very good and will be better."
Athletic come into the match on a patchy run of form in the league with just one win from their opening four matches – against Getafe – although they have enjoyed more success in the Europa League of late.
After qualifying for the group stages, Ernesto Valverde's side made a promising start to their campaign with a 3-1 win over Augsburg last week.
However, they failed to build any momentum on their return to league action as they went down by the same scoreline to Villarreal, Aritz Aduriz grabbing a late consolation at El Madrigal.
Atletico Madrid 2 Getafe 0: Griezmann at the double for hosts
22 September 2015 21:57
Two goals from Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico Madrid a battling 2-0 victory over Getafe at the Vicente Calderon in La Liga on Tuesday.
The Frenchman's two strikes from close range - his fourth and fifth goals of the season in all competitions - proved decisive as the home side made it four victories from five league games to pull level on points with leaders Barcelona.
Getafe, who suffered their fourth defeat from the same number of matches, could have equalised in the second half, but will rue a poor miss from Pedro Leon.
Diego Simeone made six changes to his starting line-up following Saturday's win over Eibar, with Fernando Torres, who scored in that game, and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco among the players brought in.
The breakthrough came after just four minutes. Vicente Guaita punched clear a corner and Gabi fired back into the box, where Griezmann controlled, swivelled and converted from six yards out.
Ferreira Carrasco shot just wide of the post from distance, while Angel Lafita worked Jan Oblak with a powerful long-range effort in a first half that saw three bookings and little goalmouth action.
Atletico almost gifted Getafe a route back into the match shortly before half-time. A dreadful square free-kick from Oliver Torres was played straight to Stefan Scepovic, who raced through on goal and should have done better with his effort that Oblak parried to safety.
Angel Correa - another of the weekend goalscorers for Atletico - came on at half-time - while Jackson Martinez was also introduced early in the second half as he replaced Fernando Torres.
The visitors had another brilliant opportunity to draw level on the hour mark. Victor Rodriguez slipped a pass through for Leon, but the former Real Madrid winger missed the target with only Oblak to beat.
Atletico were only creating half chances at the other end, although Martinez should have done better with a presentable header from Gabi's cross that he diverted well wide.
The home side began to increase the pressure as they searched for a second goal to kill off Getafe and Correa cut inside before forcing Guaita into a low stop.
Atletico did double their lead in the final minute. Substitute Tiago chipped a clever pass through to Martinez, who squared for Griezmann to apply a simple finish.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has insisted that Lionel Messi will remain the Catalans' first-choice penalty taker.
The Argentina international has received his fair share of criticism this season following his failure to find the net from 12 yards in the Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao and Levante and some have called for the 28-year-old to be relieved from his duties.
Nevertheless, Luis Enrique continues to back Messi from 12 yards, irrespective of his unconvincing record.
"There is no problem with Messi when it comes to penalties," the Barcelona coach said at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's match versus Celta Vigo.
"He will continue to take spot kicks for us. There is no discussion over it. Messi is the best."
Wednesday's match versus Celta will see Gerard Pique return to the squad after a four-match ban and Luis Enrique is happy to have the Spain international back.
"He has been out due to a mistake that he committed.
"Getting players back after suspension and injury is always good news."
Rafinha set for six months out after successful knee operation
22 September 2015 16:22
Barcelona midfielder Rafinha is expected to be out for six months after under going knee surgery.
The 22-year-old midfielder suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament during last week's 1-1 Champions League draw at Roma.
A statement on Barcelona's official website on Tuesday confirmed Rafinha had undergone a successful operation and that he will begin a lengthy rehabilitation.
The statement read: "According to the club’s medical services, Rafael Alcantara, 'Rafinha' has been operated successfully on by doctors Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna following the cruciate ligament right knee injury that he suffered in the game against AS Roma.
"The player is expected to be out for around six months."
Barcelona are unable to field any new signings until January 2016 as a result of their FIFA-imposed transfer ban.
According to multiple reports in Spain, Barca are attempting to fast-track Arda Turan's registration - a close-season signing from Atletico Madrid - in light of Rafinha's long-term injury
Catalunya independence would see break up of La Liga, says president Tebas
21 September 2015 14:38
La Liga president Javier Tebas has given the clearest indication yet that Barcelona would not be able to play in the Spanish leagues if Catalunya were to become independent from Spain.
Elections will take place in the region next week and should a pro-independence party receive a majority they could announce plans for a vote to leave Spain.
Should that happen, and a yes vote be returned, Tebas says it would cause a break up in the league that would see Catalan clubs – like Barca and Espanyol – unable to participate.
"If Spain breaks up, so does La Liga," he wrote on Twitter. "We hope that we never reach such an absurd situation."
Tebas' comments fall in line with the views of Spain's sports minister Miguel Cardenal, but Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is staying out of the debate and says his club will not campaign either way should an independence election materialise.
"We have always spoken about sport," he told Canal Plus on Sunday.
"Now there are elections in Catalunya; next week there's a vote, but Barca are not part of the electoral campaign.
"If Cardenal is going to get involved in the electoral campaign, only he knows. It's politics and it's normal that he would, but we only talk about sport. Now we want to focus on winning games."
Valencia 1 Granada 0: Mustafi the unlikely hero for hosts
25 September 2015 23:06
A headed goal from Shkodran Mustafi proved enough for Valencia to see off Granada 1-0 at Mestalla on Friday.
Germany defender Mustafi was the unlikely hero for the home team after nodding in a cross from Zakaria Bakkali, whose initial corner had been cleared, in the 26th minute.
The slender victory is only Valencia's second of the season in La Liga, and represents a welcome boost for coach Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Lyon.
Valencia had picked up just one point from their last two domestic outings following the disappointing 3-2 reverse at home to Zenit in Europe.
They were not totally convincing and had to rely on Mustafi's header to see off a determined Grenada side that have still never won at Mestalla in 22 attempts.
The hosts also needed goalkeeper Jaume Domenech to produce a fabulous save to keep out Ruben Rochina's free-kick, while the woodwork came to their rescue when Youssef El-Arabi's effort struck the crossbar and stayed out.
Valencia's Paco Alcacer had a second-half goal chalked off for offside but it did not matter to the final outcome, meaning Nuno's men move up to sixth in the table.
Granada, meanwhile, are stuck in the relegation places with just three points to their name.
Barcelona v Las Palmas: Iniesta demands lessons are learned from Celta shock
24 September 2015 14:49
Andres Iniesta has challenged Barcelona to learn the lessons from their shock defeat to Celta Vigo when they take on Las Palmas on Saturday.
The Liga champions were beaten 4-1 by an Iago Aspas-inspired Celta on Wednesday, allowing fierce rivals Real Madrid to move top of the table as Luis Enrique's side slipped to fifth.
After winning their first four Liga outings of 2015-16, defeat brought Barca back down to earth with a bump, the reigning champions consistently punished for playing a high line as Celta proved devastating on the counter-attack with Barca chasing the game.
This weekend, newly promoted Las Palmas are the visitors to Camp Nou and Iniesta is keen to see a reaction following the damaging defeat at Balaidos.
"In the first half, Celta were better, mainly in their anticipation and 50-50s," he told Movistar.
"We had some chances and we didn't take them, so the game was uphill for us.
"The team went out well in the second half and it was like watching another game, but we lacked ruthlessness.
"It's a defeat that hurts us. Now we analyse it and carry on, so that Saturday is another game."
Paco Herrera's side earned their first victory of the campaign on Wednesday as they downed an out-of-sorts Sevilla 2-0, but he believes a wounded Barca could be even more dangerous.
"It might be a headache for us, what happened to them," he said. "We have a 10 per cent chance of winning and we have to hold onto it."
Las Palmas may be buoyed by thoughts of their last away clash with Barca, however, when Orlando Azofra cancelled out Luis Enrique's goal to secure a 1-1 draw back in 2002.
With Claudio Bravo still short of match fitness, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to continue in goal despite his poor form, while Jordi Alba is expected to return after a neck problem.
A decision from FIFA on whether Arda Turan can be registered to play has yet to be made, meaning the Turkey international is highly unlikely to be involved.
Herrera has already hinted at changes to his Las Palmas line-up in order to keep his squad as fresh as possible, with Juan Emmanuel Culio's place under threat after his coach refused to divulge the reason for taking him off against Sevilla.
Real Madrid v Malaga: Carvajal keen to make the most of top spot
24 September 2015 15:36
Dani Carvajal wants Real Madrid to make the most of their "golden opportunity" at the top of La Liga when they host struggling Malaga on Saturday.
Rafael Benitez's side battled to a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, a result that saw them climb to the summit thanks to Barcelona's shock 4-1 defeat to Celta Vigo.
Real have won their last five games on the bounce in all competitions, conceding just once, and full-back Carvajal is keen to see them continue their form when Javier Gracia's team - who are yet to win or score in La Liga this term - visit the Santiago Bernabeu.
"It's always good to be top of the table, but we have to carry on and keep on winning games to be champions come May," the Spain international said.
"We knew about Barcelona's half-time score [2-0 down at Balaidos] and that it was a golden opportunity to take top spot. It's an added source of motivation to get out there and play."
Malaga, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 by Villarreal on Wednesday and their failure to score this season is a source of growing concern for head coach Gracia.
"I'm worried about it," Gracia said, with Malaga having gained just two points from five games. "The players are different [to last season]. The squad is angry, sad, desolate.
"It's difficult after a game like this, with an own goal. What I always highlight is the value of our supporters.
"They cheer us up and keep supporting us, and soon we'll give them what they deserve."
Real could welcome captain Sergio Ramos back for Saturday's match as he continues to recover well from a shoulder injury, though James Rodriguez (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked.
Danilo (foot) and Gareth Bale (calf) are Benitez's only other injury concerns.
Malaga are desperate for goals and striker Nordin Amrabat could be fit enough to feature after returning to training this week following an ankle injury.
Roque Santa Cruz (hamstring) and Ignacio Camacho (groin) are still out.
Luis Enrique has defended goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen - stating he is not solely responsible for the goals Barcelona are conceding.
Having been used primarily in the Champions League and Copa del Rey last term, the former Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper is currently Luis Enrique's number one, however he has struggled for form early this term in Claudio Bravo's injury absence.
Wednesday's 4-1 defeat at Celta Vigo added to pressure ahead of their weekend clash with Las Palmas but Luis Enrique stated Barca's current troubles are not just the goalkeeper's problem.
"I don't know what you've said or written so I can't comment on any criticism," he told a pre-match media conference.
"But criticism is part of the DNA of being a professional and being a goalkeeper is a very unique situiation. You can very clearly see if a goalkeeper has helped the team or not.
"The goals we concede are not the fault of Bravo, Ter Stegen or Jordi [Masip] - it's the responsibility of the whole team.
"We need to concede fewer goals but up to Celta our defensive stats were very good.
"I don't think the team has lost intensity, the problem is we played a team who were better than us.
"Their individuals produced goals when needed and that's what the game was. In defence we need to improve but we played a very good Celta team who were better than Barca."
Luis Enrique also confirmed Sandro and Jordi Alba are fit after their injury concerns and could feature at Camp Nou.
"Tomorrow I will announce the list but they are fit," he added.
"Rafinha has had his operation and [Thomas] Vermaelen and Bravo are progressing well."
Villarreal v Atletico Madrid: Marcelino looking to cap off ´extraordinary week´ with a win
24 September 2015 19:52
Villarreal coach Marcelino is hoping to cap a superb week by beating Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.
After defeating Athletic Bilbao at home, Marcelino's men maintained their unbeaten La Liga start with a 1-0 win at Malaga.
The victory moved Villarreal level on points with league leaders Real Madrid, while Atleti, who are unbeaten in their last three league visits to El Madrigal, sit just one behind with 12.
And Marcelino believes that his side – who have now won their last four league fixtures – are capable of overcoming Diego Simeone's men, singling out right-back Mario Gaspar, who put in a superb performance in the centre of defence against Malaga, for particular praise.
"To have 13 points from 15 is happy. Now let's enjoy this victory to face the next game in our field," Marcelino told Villarreal's official website.
"Winning against Atletico Madrid It would put the climax to an extraordinary week. Hopefully El Madrigal is full as in the day against Athletic and help us.
"Mario is an example to follow. He is a wonder and a great player, both professional and human level. I'm glad you have performed very well in the central position."
Key to a Villarreal victory will be their ability to contain France forward Antoine Griezmann – the diminutive striker netting a brace in Atleti's win over Getafe last time out to take his tally for the season to five in all competitions.
And Atleti team-mate Guilherme Siqueira is confident that the former Real Sociedad man can maintain his excellent form throughout the season.
"Griezmann is a player who makes the difference, who is at a great moment and hopefully exceeds the number of goals from last year," Siqueira told Atleti's website.
Another forward looking to make his mark for Simeone's men is Angel Correa, who has scored one goal in three appearances so far in 2015-16.
"Personally, I'd like to continue adding minutes with this great team that we have and help the team continue growing," the Argentina Under-20 international, who missed the entirety of last season after having heart surgery, told the club website.
"We know that [Villarreal] will be very difficult, but we also know that Atleti had been doing well at that place in recent years, hopefully that match is the same and we can bring home three points."
Barcelona forward Neymar has confirmed Manchester United made contact ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford but no offer was made.
Neymar was sensationally linked with a move to United before the transfer window shut on September 1.
United manager Louis van Gaal was tight-lipped on the proposed transfer before opting to sign French teenager Anthony Martial, while Barca counterpart Luis Enrique refused to be drawn on reports at the time.
Now 23-year-old Brazil international Neymar has lifted the lid on the situation, telling ESPN Brasil: "We had conversations [with United], but there was nothing concrete.
"I heard that there were offers, but none made it to me."
Neymar, who helped Barca to the treble last term, has scored three goals in five matches this season.
Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has revealed that Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez are on schedule to make their return from injury in the derby against Atletico Madrid on October 4.
Bale has not featured for Madrid since picking up a muscular problem in the 4-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month, while James has been sidelined since the 5-0 win versus Betis back in August.
The duo will not feature against Malaga on Saturday or versus Malmo in midweek, but could make their comeback at the Vicente Calderon next week.
"Bale and James will return to training with the group next week," Benitez said at a press conference.
"They are both recovering well. If things go well next week, they could play again versus Atletico Madrid."
The absence of Bale and James has seen Karim Benzema step into the limelight, with the Frenchman scoring five goals in four La Liga appearances, and Benitez has nothing but praise for the prolific attacker.
"Benzema can score, assist and make great runs," he added.
Rotation vital to Atletico title hopes, claims Simeone
25 September 2015 17:25
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone will continue to rotate his squad in La Liga this term as he seeks to once again challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title.
Simeone's new-look Atleti have made a promising start to the season - taking 12 points from five games while kicking off their Champions League campaign with victory over Galatasaray.
And Simeone believes making changes will keep his players fresh for a sustained title challenge.
"We explained it in pre-season. The physical coaches look at the whole year, not individual matches," he told reporters.
"We don't listen to those who say they aren't playing much. It makes them play better, the group is more competitive.
"Rotating is the only one way of challenging Madrid and Barcelona. Players need to realise that 20 minutes are a whole lifetime and we know that five minutes is a long time [referring to the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in 2014]."
The likes of Fernando Torres, Antoine Griezmann and Jackson Martinez have all been handed opportunities to impress Simeone this season, alongside Luciano Vietto and Angel Correa.
Griezmann has perhaps shone the brightest - scoring five times in all competitions - and Simeone added: "All the strikers look good.
"They are competing fairly between them in order to help the team. In Seville, Torres did well and then Jackson scored.
"In Eibar, Jackson had three chances and then Torres came on and scored. The winner is the team.
"I'm happy with both of them. Torres has won everything and Jackson did well in Portugal."
Barcelona seek clarity as FIFA dampens Turan hopes
25 September 2015 21:46
Barcelona have called for clarity from FIFA after world football's governing body appeared to refuse permission to register Arda Turan in light of Rafinha's injury.
Turan joined Barca from Atletico Madrid during the close-season, although the Spanish and European champions are under a transfer ban for breaching rules relating to registering youth players.
Under the sanctions, the club are not allowed to field Turan until January 4, but Barca approached FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after Rafinha suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury last week, ruling him out for several months.
FIFA has now stated that Turan cannot be registered early, although Barca want a clearer line amid suggestions they could take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if the request is not granted.
A club statement released on Friday read: "FC Barcelona received a communication from FIFA in relation to the request for permission of the RFEF to register Arda Turan.
"FIFA's communication has not answered the request of FC Barcelona but merely states '"just for information" that in its opinion the RFEF is not allowed to register the player because its laws "could be in conflict" with FIFA's laws.
"FC Barcelona insists of FIFA the need of a more concrete answer, saying yes or no, because FC Barcelona is not asking an opinion, it is asking for permission or not, because the CAS ruling forbidding transfers during the two 2015 windows has already been served entirely as the club understands."
Aleix Vidal, who joined Barca from Sevilla in the close-season, is also prevented from representing his new club until January.
