Mascherano still needed at Barcelona, says Valverde

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has closed the door on Javier Mascherano leaving the Catalan giants in January due to Barca’s lack of fit centre-backs, despite the defender suggesting that he wanted to end his time at the club. Samuel Umtiti was ruled out for two months after tearing a hamstring in a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday.