Alba could make a return to Barcelona's squad next weekend against Eibar (Sport)

Barca have needed to live without Alba since the 17th September when the full-back limped off against Borussia Dortmund. An injury which was made worse when his replacement, Junior Firpo, also picked up an injury and forced Valverde to play Nelson Semedo at left back instead.

Alba was named in the squad for the last league match against Sevilla but Valverde decided not to risk him.

With the current international break, it's allowed Alba to focus on his recovery before club football returns next weekend.

Alba could return to the starting lineup against Eibar next Saturday after missing the last five matches through injury. He sat out the league contests against Granada, Villarreal, Getafe and Sevilla as well as the Champions League match against Inter.

All five of those matches were won by Barca. Junior looked strong until injury robbed him of his place and Semedo was a makeshift option against Sevilla.

Those changes saw Sergi Roberto, now established in the midfield, to cover right back as Semedo switched to the left. Far from ideal for everyone involved.

Alba's return to the team would then see the debate reopened about who would slot in at right-back. Semedo began the season as first choice and is likely to remain there but Sergi Roberto looked good in his appearance against Sevilla.

The biggest question mark surrounds Wague. Despite the problems at full-back, he still hasn't been used by Valverde and is often the man who is dropped the matchday squad.