Eric Garcia has struggled for game time this season, and seems to have fallen down the pecking order at the club.

The 22-year-old centre-back has played just 60 minutes against Intercity in the last six matches for Barca, and hasn’t started a game for Barca since October.

Now being linked with a move to Arsenal, Xavi has said he doesn’t want to lose the young defender.

He said: “Eric Garcia is always helpful. He has played great games with us. Obviously, there is competition in defence, but I trust him.

“He had a little discomfort before the Espanyol game, but nothing important.

“I don’t want anyone to leave. I’m happy with the squad. It’s different if a player asks to leave. You have to understand their situation.”