Barcelona B defender David Costas is in line for a senior call up this week.

Barca have lost Gerard Pique to suspension ahead of their clash with Valencia.

Marca says Javier Mascherano's injury ensures that he will be out for about a month so he can't deputise, meaning that Ernesto Valverde has to look at other options, including from the academy.

Costas is the most natural option.

On loan from Celta Vigo, the Blaugrana are already making plans to sign the 22-year-old permanently.