Barcelona won't sign, trusts youth players: Guardiola

Coach Pep Guardiola says Barcelona will rely on its youth players instead of reinforcing the squad through the winter transfer market.

Guardiola said on Saturday that "we will fall back on our youth players until the end. Going to the market doesn't guarantee anything ... From the very beginning we designed a small squad because we believe in our youth program."

Barcelona have lost striker David Villa, midfielder Ibrahim Afellay and, most recently, defender Andreu Fontas to long-term injuries.

Guardiola has brought along a number of young prospects to Barcelona's first team, including Spanish internationals Sergio Busquets, Pedro Rodriguez and Thiago Alcantara.

Barcelona play Real Betis on Sunday.