Valverde: Don't rule out Pique

"He (Pique) finished the game in discomfort, with a little injury, but as of now he's not ruled out," said Valverde. "We'll see how he is today [Wednesday]. He's going to train and we'll see."

The Barcelona manager was facing the press before the second leg of the Copa del Rey clash and he also talked about Pique's off-field issues regarding the comments he made about Espanyol and his over-enthusiastic celebrations following his equaliser against their Catalan rivals last week, as well as Luis Suarez's possible absence. 

Regarding Mina, Valverde insisted that he is ready to play after arriving from Palmeiras. The Colombian still hasn't made his debut since arriving in the January transfer window. 

"Yerry is in the squad and ready to play. It depends on the coach's thinking whether he will start," Valverde explained.

"The fact there are players who can play in different positions is an advantage for him and for the team. We have to decide depending on the situation.

"I knew Yerry Mina from watching videos and now from him training with us, but I don't know him in our competition. I hope he adapts well."

Pique will do everything he can to be playing at maximum intensity, but if he doesn't make it then Mina is ready to take his place.. If not then Sergio Busquets could have another go at centre back.