Malcom's problems at Barcelona are being blamed on coach Ernesto Valverde.

Valverde is holding back the Brazil winger, who arrived last summer from Bordeaux.

Spanish reporter Xavi Riera, speaking to France Football, explained: "What you need to know is that Valverde never asked Barca to sign Malcom. This is the central point. Malcom signed because Pep Segura and Eric Abidal wanted him.

"They saw this as a market opportunity. When a player arrives and is not wanted by the coach, there will always be difficulties to have playing time. Always.

"They saw Malcom as a nugget. He is only 21 years old and finally forty million it was not too expensive. Barça had done this in the past for young players whose price was considered appropriate."