Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says Gerard Deulofeu must work harder.

Deulofeu has been left out of the squad for Sunday's clash with Levante.

Despite being linked with a move to a trio of Serie A sides, Valverde is hopeful that Deulofeu will battle for his Barcelona spot.

"I'm not the one to assess what one player or another does or tell anyone what to do," said Valverde.

"[Deulofeu] is our player. He belongs to us and he has to fight and work to change his situation.

"He is a determined player who has worked well for us at certain times but for now I'm opting for other players.

"That has nothing to do with him, it is just a matter of choice and what a coach picks at one moment."