Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has insisted that Raphael will not leave the club this January.

Raphinha has endured a tough debut campaign at the Nou Camp after making a £55 million move from Leeds in the summer.

It has led to speculation linking the Brazilian with a move away from Spain.

A return to Arsenal, who were interested last year, has been mooted.

However, Xavi, speaking on the player’s future, said: “Raphinha will be important for us; I’ve no doubts on that."

Rafael will be very important, as I have great confidence in him for Barcelona’s future.