MADRID, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal should provide an important boost to FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, after Ansu Fati's latest injury and Kun Aguero's retirement with a heart complaint left his side looking distinctly lightweight in attack.
Although the club has yet to make the signing official, the Gabonese forward was pictured training with his new teammates on Tuesday.
However, the arrival of the 32-year-old also presents Xavi with a problem that will need tactful handling.
Aubameyang is the fourth signing in January transfer window for Barca, following Dani Alves, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore, with Traore returning on loan to the club where he started his career to cover for Ousmane Dembele.
Barca's problem is that according to UEFA regulations, they can only include three January signings in their squad for the Europa League, meaning that one of the new arrivals will have to watch their European games from the sidelines.
Given that Torres is a marquee signing and a key part of Xavi's plans for the future, the former Manchester City player is certain to be included in the squad and although Alves is 38-year old, the Brazilian has already proved himself to be important to Xavi and is their best option on the right side of defense.
That means the final squad place looks likely to be decided between Traore and Aubameyang, with Traore starting with an advantage, given that he looks like the more natural replacement for Dembele.
Barca had told Dembele that they wanted him out by the end of January after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract, but despite rumors of last-day interest, nobody pushed strongly to sign a player they can get for nothing at the end of the season.
Despite Dembele insisting that he is committed to the cause, it is still likely that he has played his last game at the Camp Nou after he was left out of Barca's squad for their last two matches.
Aubameyang can operate on the flanks as well as in the middle of a front three, and who is finally included in the Europa League squad could depend on whether the club is willing to leave Dembele in the stands for the rest of the campaign, or at least make some use of a player who still has to be paid every month. ■
