Barcelona boss Ernesto is facing a selection headche in defence ahead of a crucial run of games, with Jordi Alba his only fit senior left back.
Alba did not start in Saturday's home draw against Valencia, coming on as a half time subsitute, to replace Nelson Semedo, with the struggling Sergi Roberto switching over to right back.
However the Spanish international was booked in the second half, his fifth La Liga yellow card of the season, and he will miss their next league game – away at Athletic Bilbao next Sunday night.
He will start in their midweek Copa del Rey at the Nou Camp clash, against bitter rivals Real Madrid, however they do have concerns for the rest of the season, with the lack of cover for Alba a real concern.
Both Semedo and Roberto have deputised at left back this season, but neither player has been convincing, but with Valverde's options limited he may turn to one of them.
The alternative is youth team player Juan Miranda, who has only featured in Copa del Rey and Champions League games this season, but he is a naural left back.
