Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has insisted to directors he's not writing off Andres Iniesta.

Iniesta was taken off at halftime by Valverde for Saturday's battling 2-1 win at Getafe.

Don Balon says Valverde is insisting it is not personal with his captain, but he has concerns over the midfielder's fitness.

The coach has pointed out to staff that he has no alternative to Iniesta in his squad and he's having to manage him through games to keep him at optimum levels for the bigger matches.

The dilemma has led to Barca's board accepting they need to find fresh cover for Iniesta in January - with Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri back on the agenda.