Barça coach Valverde happy with the four central defenders he has
Valverde says he doesn't feel the need to sign a new defender in January
Pique, Umtiti, Mascherano and Vermaelen are his current options
Ernesto Valverde is without Gerard Pique for the Champions League game against Olympiakos due to suspension.
Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen has only just recovered from a hip injury and Javier Mascherano remains a doubt with a foot infection.
Therefore, the Barça coach only has Samuel Umtiti, of his four centre-backs, in perfect condition for the game.
"Mascherano has a small infection in his foot," Valverde said on Monday. "We will see how he is in training and tomorrow [before making a decision]
"[Vermaelen] has also has just come back from a problem, but he has the all clear so we hope to have them both available."
NO NEED FOR A NEW DEFENDER
Given the circumstances, Valverde was asked if he felt the need for a new centre-back in January.
"I think we have four players for the two positions," he said. "Vermaelen's still not played in La Liga and we think with what we have we can move forward."
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