"He is a great player, a world-class player, who is on another team and nothing else," Valverde said. "Nobody has called me to tell me any different."

There has also been speculation about the future of another Brazilian, with some suggestions Philippe Coutinho could be on his way out of the Nou Camp.

But Valverde backed the former Liverpool midfielder, who missed a penalty against Levante in the Copa del Rey, to come good.

"Throughout the season you have days when you are more fortunate than others," he said. "Coutinho has had great games and we hope he will continue to have them. He must continue to improve."

Come Sunday's game against Eibar all eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi, who will be looking to score his 400th league goal for Barca.

"This is a spectacular figure which is out of reach for all of us in this room," he said. "I hope the 400th goal will come before long."

The Blaugrana resume LaLiga action following their 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat at Levante on Thursday night looking to maintain their grip at the top, currently five points clear of Atletico Madrid

Valverde made several changes against Levante, with youngsters Juan Miranda and Chumi included, along with new arrival Jeison Murillo, while Ousmane Dembele, Malcom and Coutinho also featured.

Messi, Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are all set to be back in action against Eibar.

On-loan forward Marc Cucurella believes Eibar must make life "uncomfortable" for parent club Barcelona when they head to the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Mid-table Eibar hold a poor recent record against Barcelona, having lost the last eight games in a row.

However, Jose Luis Mendilibar's men have proven difficult to beat in recent weeks, playing out four successive draws in the league and defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at home in November.

Cucurella came through the Blaugrana youth ranks and impressed for Barcelona B last season.

The 20-year-old feels Eibar cannot afford to allow themselves to be intimidated at the Nou Camp.

"It will be a very special game that we are very excited to play, both for me and the team. We will go with all the belief to get a good result," Cucurella said on the Eibar website.

"This year we have had good results against difficult teams. Outside the home we are doing good football. Being super-concentrated can get something positive."

Cucurella added: "As we did against Madrid, we have to make them feel uncomfortable, not make their football and not feel comfortable.

"We will have to run a lot and give everything and make a game almost perfect to try to get something from the Camp Nou."

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