Barcelona's Andoni Zubizarreta says club will not sign replacement for injured Ibrahim Afellay

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has ruled out the possibility of signing a substitute for Ibrahim Afellay in the winter transfer window.

The Netherlands international is due to spend approximately the next six months on the sidelines after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Thursday's training.

With Afellay expected to feature only in the last two months of the campaign, it has been suggested that Barcelona could bring in a January replacement for the 25-year-old.

However, Zubizarreta has knocked down that scenario, telling Barca TV: 'Afellay's injury is not good news, but it is clear that the solution is in our squad and in our youth ranks.

'We are not considering signing a new player. The club doctors will analyse the case and decide his recovery time. '

The 25-year-old, who joined Barcelona from PSV in January, has made two appearances for the club this season, both as a substitute.