VILLA HOPES FOR EARLY COMEBACK

FC Barcelona manager Josep Pep Guardiola has ruled out replacing crocked striker David Villa during the winter transfer window.

The Spanish international striker broke his leg during the FIFA Club World Cup match against Al Sadd and it was initially believed that the 30 year old striker would miss the rest of the season and could also miss Spain’s defense of their Euro crown in the summer.

But after the surgery, the doctors are of the opinion that Villa might just have a slim hope of returning just before the end of the season, albeit it all depends on the recuperation process.

Guardiola, who was known as a touch tackling midfielder during his playing days, said that it was extremely unfortunate for a striker like David Villa to have suffered an injury like that, just when he was starting to find his form again this season but added that injuries are a part of the game and they will not go into the transfer market looking for a replacement striker.

It was rumored that Barcelona were looking to sell the misfiring striker and look for a replacement in January a couple of months back with Liverpool being interested in taking the striker to Anfield. However, if The Blaugrana did have any plans like that, the injury to Villa might as well have ruined all that leading Guardiola to come out and say that they are not looking for a replacement striker.

However, according to the media reports in Spain, Barcelona are on the lookout for a young striker and are keeping tabs on Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie who is their first choice to replace David Villa. But at the moment, with Guardiola coming out in support of the striker, nothing seems to be on the horizon or on the cards.