Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has axed Ivan Rakitic for their clash with Villarreal.

The Croatian has started just once this season -- at Granada -- and has now been replaced by Carles Aleña.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.