Javier Mascherano will reportedly not be allowed to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window after fellow centre-back Samuel Umtiti picked up a long-term hamstring injury.
Umtiti is expected to be out of action for the next two months after suffering the issue during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo in La Liga.
Mascherano recently admitted that his time with Barcelona was coming to an end.
The 33-year-old is understood to want to leave Camp Nou next month, but according to Sport, Umtiti's injury means that the Argentine is needed alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barcelona defence.
Mascherano has made 10 appearances for Barcelona this season, but has dropped behind Umtiti in the pecking order for Ernesto Valverde's side.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
