New Barcelona boss Quique Setien has confirmed that his side is preparing for life without Luis Suarez as the search for a new No.9 begins. The Camp Nou outfit could recruit a long-term target to succeed the 32-year-old attacker who has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the season with injury.
Suarez recently underwent a surgery on a meniscus problem in his right knee after Barca's defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa and is not expected to be back for at least four months. Indeed, the striker's absence could pose more problems for La Liga's defending champions having been a remarkable servant of the club since arriving from Liverpool in 2014.
A formidable partnership with Lionel Messi has seen Suarez rack up 191 goals in 270 appearances for the Catalans in all competitions, 14 of which have been scored in 23 matches this season. Nevertheless, despite consistently performing at a top level, the Uruguayan's days at Camp Nou are slowly being numbered.
In essence, the latest injury has also facilitated the decision to replace the forward with new boss Quique Setien admitting that the search is on.
"It's true we're speaking about it," Setien said as per Catalan publication Sport.
"But we still have to move things on a little bit.
"It's not something I am worried about too much, I'm thinking about the match tomorrow (against Ibiza in the Copa del Rey) and against Valencia.
"Everything else has to be studied exhaustively; then we will see what the most convenient [option] is."
On the potential of a new No. 9's imminent signing, Setien added: "It's an issue I still can't answer and I am not going to do so. I have spoken about some things with the club, but nothing in concrete.
"They're internal issues and it's preferable for me if you don't ask me, because I am not going to say anything, so let's not waste time."
