"I am happy with Aleix Vidal's Barcelona performances"

One of the players Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was asked about on Friday was Aleix Vidal. The right-back has not been included in the last two match day squads. 

Asked if there was a problem with the player, Valverde said: "I’m happy with him and with his performances.

"Remember: he started the game against Alaves… he’s not been in the squad for the last two matches but that could change at any moment.

"Aleix, in addition, is a player who can help us in more than one position. I understand these type of questions, but there going to be recurring because every week it’s likely that I will have to leave one or two players out of the squad."

Vidal had a spell out of the side under Luis Enrique last season but forced himself back into the team by January, only to see his season ended by injury. 

However, he did return to fitness earlier than planned, featuring as a substitute in the final game of the season, against Alaves in the Copa del Rey. 

During pre-season he featured regularly under Valverde and has played in both the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga this season.