Barcelona potential lineup for Valverde's return to San Mames

Valverde wants to avoid distractions created by the ongoing political turmoil in Catalonia, as he sidestepped independence discussion on Friday and insisted he was only looking at on-field matters.

Following a week of Copa del Rey fixtures, in which the Catalans made several changes to beat Real Murcia, Valverde wants to improve on a miserable personal record as a visitor to San Mames with an arsenal of quality players he has at his disposal.

The Catalans want to continue their unbeaten run which has brough eight wins in the first nine La Liga fixtures as they head into the weekend boasting a four-point lead at the top of the table.

Here is Barca's possible lineup for the match against Athletic Bilbao: Ter Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Piqué, Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Paulinho, Deulofeu, Messi and Suarez.