IN SPORT.ES
Xavi Hernandez's decision to leave Samuel Umtiti and Sergiño Dest out of the squad for Wednesday's Clasico is related to the club's intentions this month.
The Barça coach wanted to transmit to them both that they're not in his plans and the club hope Umtiti will leave on loan in January, while they will listen to offers for Dest.
Umtiti has renewed his contract until 2026 but that doesn't mean he won't look for an exit. In fact, he is ready to leave on loan, although not for any offer.
The reality is with Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo as clear starters, Umtiti is still behind Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet, so it's difficult to imagine him getting minutes.
Dest's case is different. Barça know he has a market and Xavi seems to have lost confidence in him. Back problems have seen him lose his place in the team and the coach now has different plans.
The USA international wasn't called up for the Clasico, despite traveling to Saudi Arabia, and the club will listen to offers for him as he focuses on fighting for his place in the team.