Valverde explains decision to cut Rakitic from Barça squad for Villarreal

Ernesto Valverde spoke to the press on Monday ahead of Tuesday's game against Villarreal at Camp Nou. He was speaking just two days after Barcelona went down to a surprise defeat at Granada, leaving them lagging in eighth in La Liga. 

The Barça coach has made some big calls for Villarreal's visit, with the fit-again Ousmane Dembele returning to the squad at the expense of Carles Perez. 

Perhaps the most surprising decision made by Valverde, though, is the one to leave out Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian has started just once this season -- at Granada -- and has now been replaced by Carles Aleña. 

"Every week I am asked about those not called up," the coach said. "If Rakitic is not [in the squad], it's because someone else is.

"He hasn't got an issue, it's a question of players, we have a lot of options in midfield and it's a decision for this game. We will see on Saturday what happens [when Barça play at Getafe]."

Rakitic was linked with a move away from Camp Nou in the summer. Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain were interested but the window closed with him still a Barcelona player.