Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has held clear-the-air talks with Santi Ezquerro after the striker failed to get a move away before Friday's transfer deadline.

"I have spoken with him and he remains part of the squad," said Rijkaard. "I have already said that I consider all the players important. His behavior has been good and he can be helpful to us. He will be able to participate and for that reason he has been named in the squad (for today's match against Athletic Bilbao)."