Ernesto Valverde deflects questions on Mascherano’s future

Barcelona's Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano reacts as he sits on the pitch during the Spanish league football match Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla on November 6, 2016. / AFP / JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read JORGE GUERRERO/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano reacts as he sits on the pitch during the Spanish league football match Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla on November 6, 2016. / AFP / JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read JORGE GUERRERO/AFP/Getty Images) /
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With Javier Mascherano’s future with Barcelona in doubt, manager Ernesto Valverde preferred to not talk about his potential departure.

Defender Javier Mascherano has been linked to a departure from Barcelona in the January transfer window. The Argentine hasn’t seen as much action as he did in his younger days thanks to the development of Samuel Umtiti in central defense. However, with the Frenchmen hurt, Mascherano would usually be the one to take his place in the starting 11. Despite that, Mascherano is also injured, but he should be returning to the squad soon.

With Barcelona having several doubts in defense leading into the famed Clasico match, Mascherano could be asked to stay. However, a departure wouldn’t be surprising given his lack of playing time. When the Argentine comes back, Ernesto Valverde will have more choices in central defense going forward. Despite his great form this season, Umtiti’s injury will cause him to miss up to two months of action which means no Clasico for the rising French star.

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Thomas Vermaelen is a key factor in the potential exit of Mascherano. The Belgian hasn’t featured much in his Barca career. However, with all of the injuries and suspensions, he has been able to get some chances in the starting 11 and off the bench. If he plays well, he could keep his place in the 11 for the time period that Umtiti misses.

Valverde spoke to the media about how Barca will handle the Mascherano saga. He mentioned that the team wants to deal with this behind closed doors. It would be good to that ahead of the next few matches. Since there are trips to Villarreal and Real Madrid upcoming, things must be sured up for the Blaugrana quickly.

"“The winter transfer market is still not here and it’s true that it is one of the issues we have to look at but whenever he’s played, he’s played well. For the moment he is with us and don’t have to think about anything else. In the same way we don’t talk about signings, this is the same. We will see what happens. Barça, like all teams, want to strengthen, not weaken ourselves.”Ernesto Valverde on the potential exit of Javier Mascherano"

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Overall, Barca has a big issue in defense going forward because of Samuel Umtiti’s injury. With the other things going on, a name to watch out for is David Costas. In addition to featuring in Copa Del Rey action, he was in the squad that drew 1-1 away to Valencia. He’ll be included this weekend for defensive depth in a big matchup against Villarreal. We’ll see how the situation plays out in Barcelona.