Barcelona boss Xavi has said that he has "tremendous confidence" in Ferran Torres amid the recent speculation surrounding the Spanish attacker's future.

The 22-year-old has found it difficult to show his best form for the Catalan outfit this season, only contributing five goals and one assist in 23 appearances in all competitions.

Torres still has more than four years left to run on his current deal, but there has been transfer talk surrounding him during the January window.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are both believed to be admirers of the Spain international, who has only scored twice in La Liga during the 2022-23 campaign.

However, speaking ahead of the league contest with Girona, Xavi said that he has "tremendous confidence" in the forward, who will serve the final match of his La Liga suspension on Saturday.

"Tomorrow he's suspended. He is fine. Ferran always trains well. He never gives up. He is an example no matter how well or badly things go," Xavi told reporters on Friday afternoon.

"He's a guarantee because he gives his all. I have tremendous confidence in him. He lacks a goal but he trains well."

There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Sergio Busquets, with the experienced midfielder's contract at Camp Nou due to expire at the end of June.

Xavi is desperate for the 34-year-old to extend his stay at Barcelona but has stressed that the final decision will be made by the former Spain international.

"We haven't talked about his future, we did it a long time ago. He is one of the best pivots in history. He is fundamental for me, even if he is underrated. I hope he feels strong enough to continue but it's up to him," said the Catalan club's head coach.

Busquets has again been an important player for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, making 24 appearances in all competitions, contributing one assist in the process.

A number of MLS clubs are said to be interested in the midfielder, who has made 704 appearances for the Catalan outfit's first team since debuting in 2008.

Busquets played the full 90 minutes of Wednesday's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, and he is again expected to start against Girona on Saturday afternoon.

As it stands, only one player has left the club during the January window, with Memphis Depay departing for Atletico Madrid.

There have been no incomings, meanwhile, and Xavi recently insisted that he is not desperate for reinforcements before the winter market closes for business. body check tags ::