Why is Rakitic off starting 11?

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde has expressed frustration over persistent transfer speculation surronding Ivan Rakitic.

The Croatia international has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou, maybe as part of the deal to bring Neymar back to Catalunya.

He was an unused sub in Saturday’s defeat to Osasuna and Valverde said “What do you want me to say” when questioned as to why.

It is no longer secret that Valverde is tired of the Neymar chase.

In other news, Rajiv van la Parra has quit Huddersfield Town to move to Red Star Belgrade the Championship club have announced.

Rajiv van La Parra has completed a permanent transfer to Serbian side Red Star Belgrade for an undisclosed fee.

Phil Hodgkinson: “Both him and his representatives made it very clear that he didn’t want to be a #htafc player anymore.”