Thomas Tuchel described Paris Saint-Germain's midfield issues as "very, very serious" as he confirmed the Ligue 1 leaders are trying to make a January signing.
Adrien Rabiot is unavailable, having been banished to the reserves due to a contract stand-off, and Marco Verratti is sidelined by a sprained ankle.
Dani Alves filled in as a makeshift midfielder as PSG thrashed Guingamp 9-0 in Ligue 1 on Saturday, while fellow Brazilian defender Marquinhos has also featured in the role.
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With PSG set to face Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League next month, Tuchel wants to add to his midfield options before the transfer window closes with Napoli's Allan and Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure reportedly on his wish-list.