Barcelona able to sign Aleix Vidal replacement under Spanish rules

Vidal suffered a dislocated ankle during the 6-0 win over Alaves on Saturday and it has been confirmed that he will be out for five months.

It leaves manager Luis Enrique with few options at right-back, with Sergi Roberto the main choice and possibly Javier Mascherano if needed.

The rules in Spain say that in the case of a serious injury like this - one that rules a player out for the season - a replacement can signed.

However, in order to sign a player he must: a) either come from Spain or be a free agent, and b) can only play in Spanish matches.

There are of course some very talented right-backs in Spain but it would probably be difficult to bring them in but free agent Martin Caceres, who had been linked with a move to Southampton, remains an option.

There has been no suggestion that the club would make a move to sign someone, with reports in Spain from Sunday's training suggesting that Enrique will choose Nili Perdomo to replace Vidal in the squad.