Ernesto Valverde says he has no replacement for Mascherano
Mascherano is set to move to China in January
But Valverde says he hasn't lined up a substitute
Javier Mascherano's future is one of the big talking points at Barcelona at the moment and Ernesto Valverde was asked about the latest on Saturday.
Valverde was speaking before Sunday's game against Deportivo when he was questioned on if he had a substitute lined up for Mascherano, who is set to move to China in January.
"No [I don't have a replacement], he plays for us," Valverde said. "We have two more important games in 2017. Of course lots of things go through your head, but it’s not really something I can comment on openly.
"What I do know is that at the moment he’s part of the squad and I am counting on him. He has as much chance as playing as anyone else."
Mascherano returns to the squad for the Depor game after missing the last month with a hamstring injury.
