Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours After Lionel Messi's Injury

Barcelona's options in attack are limited in the wake of the injury to Lionel Messi, which could see the Argentinian sidelined for up to two months, and the unfortunate incident has highlighted the lack of depth manager Luis Enrique has at his disposal heading into the January transfer window.

The club confirmed Messi could miss the Clasico against Real Madrid after suffering a ligament tear in his knee, taking to Twitter to break the news. And with Rafinha also sidelined and Arda Turan ineligible to play until January, Enrique has a big problem.
Youngsters Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez, both 20 years old, are all that are left after a busy summer, as explained by AS' Moises Llorens:

Much was made in the summer of the lack of depth in the Barcelona squad until January when Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal can finally step onto the pitch as Barça players. The sounds coming out of the club were always calming, downplaying responses, but now the sale of Pedro to Chelsea, the long term injury to Rafinha and Messi’s troubles will force Enrique to place his trust in youth. Enter Munir and Sandro, two prospects that the club see as future stars.

For all of their talent, the two lack experience on the highest level, and with matches at Sevilla, Valencia and maybe even Real on the schedule, one has to wonder whether the two can find the consistency to help the Blaugrana defend their La Liga title.

Turan would have been the perfect solution to the current conundrum, but he can't be registered until January due to Barcelona's transfer embargo. And even if the Turk were eligible to play, depth would still be an issue—and one that should be resolved soon.
According to Duncan Castles of the Sunday Times, the Catalans are looking at Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho as a potential target, just days after compatriot and close friend Neymar made it clear he'd love to see the Reds ace at the Camp Nou, per Sky Sports (h/t Fox Sports).
Coutinho has established himself as one of the top attacking midfielders in the Premier League since moving to Anfield in 2013, and with Liverpool looking less than spectacular under manager Brendan Rodgers, he may decide it's time to move on.
If he did, Barcelona would be a logical destination, given his connection with Neymar. As shared by BBC Sport, the two have been friends for a long time:

Whether he's actually a realistic transfer target is another matter. As reported by the Liverpool Echo's David Prentice, the 23-year-old's contract runs until 2020, and as the Reds' primary creator, Rodgers and Co. won't even consider selling the prolific midfielder anytime soon.
Barcelona have a habit of getting whichever player they want, but they're looking for depth, not a starter. Coutinho could very well be persuaded to join the Catalans in 2016, but it will take a massive fee to bring him to Catalunya, and given the club's need, that may not be the right play right now.
Letting him develop with the Reds and bringing him to the Camp Nou in a year or two seems like a safer decision.
Celta Vigo star Nolito remains the most logical―and realistic―option for January, with the former Barcelona man already confirming he wouldn't say no to a move back, per Radio Marca (h/t Goal). Nolito was excellent in the Galicians' 4-1 win over the Blaugrana in midweek, reminding everyone he is one of La Liga's most underrated forwards once again.
Enrique is a fan, per Sport English:

Luis Enrique: Nolito is a player with a high level and a key part of his team.

— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) September 22, 2015

Nolito would know he'd join as a backup, and with him and Turan both at the club, depth in any of the attacking slots would no longer be a problem. A January move seems likely.