Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has given his backing to under-fire striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but refused to rule out a summer move for Valencia's David Villa, ahead of Saturday night's crucial trip to Villarreal.
Barca spent more than 40million euros to sign Ibrahimovic from Inter Milan last year and threw in Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, rated at just over half that value, for good measure.
Eyebrows were raised at Guardiola's decision to trade the African for the Swede, especially at such an expensive outlay, and Ibrahimovic has struggled to adapt to life in Spain.
Criticism intensified this week as Inter, and not Barca, advanced to this season's Champions League final.
Ibrahimovic looked completely lost in Wednesday's night ultimately insufficient 1-0 win over the Italians, and the Swede had long departed by the time Gerard Pique gave the Catalans hope with a late strike.
But Guardiola reckons criticism of the Scandinavian is unfair.
"Every time he has played, he has played well, but injuries at key moments haven't helped him," the Barca coach said.
Reports in the Spanish press on Friday linked Barca with a summer bid for Villa and Guardiola was coy on the chances of the Spain striker joining the club.
"It's normal that these type of stories come out this time of year," he said.
"But I'm not the right person to talk to."
Following Wednesday night's Champions League disappointment, Barcelona now switch their attentions back to the league.
The Catalans lead fierce rivals Real Madrid by one point with four games left in the Primera Division, but face a tough trip to improving Villarreal tomorrow night.
But Guardiola does not believe his players will be affected by their European elimination.
"We will compete as we have done all season, no doubt about that," he said.
"In Villarreal I don't think you'll see a different team to the one you have seen all this time - we will go out to get the result, and this team is capable of that and more," he said.
Xavi has a knock, but looks set to play at El Madrigal.
"It's an honour that Barca has a player like him," Guardiola said.
Andres Iniesta and Eric Abidal both miss out through injury, though.
Captain Carles Puyol is set to play, however, after missing Wednesday's Champions League match through suspension.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are making a late charge for a place in Europe.
The Yellow Submarine lie in sixth place with four games remaining and even have an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
Marcos Senna has given coach Juan Carlos Garrido a timely boost by returning to fitness ahead of the match against Barca.
Garrido, who took over from the axed Ernesto Valverde earlier this season, and has just agreed a new deal to remain at the club next season, says the three points are vital tomorrow.
"Our motivation is huge; there are three vital points to play for and we want to win," he said.
"We are in a different situation to Barcelona, but we want to win the match and we are focused on that."
