Xavi reinforces the chance of having Vitor Roque at Barcelona in January

The coach Xavi Hernandez admitted this Monday that Barcelona could anticipate the arrival of the striker Victor Roqueof Athletico, for January. The option was taken even more into account as soon as the Catalan club learned of the injury suffered by the athlete during the 2-1 victory over Internacionallast Thursday, for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship.

“There is a possibility that he will come in January. We spoke with Athletico’s doctors, there will be no operation and conservative treatment will continue so that he recovers well,” said the coach.

After several tests, Athletico’s doctors understood that Vitor Roque will not need to undergo surgery to treat the rupture of the ligaments in his right ankle. As the treatment time for this type of injury takes around three months, it is unlikely that he will return before the end of the season.

However, his trip to Barcelona in January has already been planned by Xavi since August. This was not the first time that the coach spoke about having Vitor Roque at the beginning of 2024. “The sports area is working with the player and his club, but the fact is that he will be incorporated in January, as contractually signed” , said the coach at the time.

Barcelona will pay approximately R$400 million to take Vitor Roque from Athletico, counting taxes and targets established in contracts. This value could increase even more if the athlete’s arrival at the Catalan club is even brought forward.

Vitor Roque had been a key player for the club from Paraná during the season and was an absolute starter for coach Wesley Carvalho. He played 42 games this year and scored 20 goals, 11 of which in the Brasileirão alone. Without Vitor Roque, Athletico returns to the field on Sunday, at 4pm, to play the classic with Coritibaat the Couto Pereira stadium, for the 25th round of the Brasileirão.