La Liga regulations allow Barcelona to sign replacement following defensive star’s ACL injury | OneFootball

Just moments ahead of Barcelona’s final game of the year against Villarreal, the club have confirmed a fresh injury in the form of Andreas Christensen.

The Danish international appears to have picked up an ACL injury, could be ruled out for a period of up to 3-4 months.

The club confirmed that they have chosen to go with conservative treatment and are not taking any risks. Christensen, therefore, is out of contention, and while signing a player in January could be an option, a lot will depend on Christensen’s return window.

Can Barcelona sign a new player to replace Christensen?

According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona are permitted to exceed their squad registration limit to sign a replacement if Christensen’s incapacity is projected to last four months or more.

To activate this mechanism, the club must request a favourable medical report from La Liga’s Medical Commission within 25 days of the injury.

Christensen has been ruled out with a fresh injury. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

If the commission validates the long-term absence, Barcelona will be authorised to use 80% of Christensen’s imputed salary cost to register a new player.

With the winter transfer window opening on January 2, 2026, the timing is critical. Barcelona would need to finalise the registration within 20 days of receiving the favourable medical report or by the close of the window on February 2.

There are strict conditions attached: the replacement must be an outfield player (not a goalkeeper), and if the new signing’s contract extends beyond the current season, the club must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for the following campaign.

This specific regulation was recently utilised by the club following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term injury, which facilitated the registration of Joan García.

Now, the board must evaluate if Christensen’s prognosis warrants a similar move to bolster the defence.