Barcelona coach Luis Enrique refused to reveal whether UEFA Super Cup match-winner Pedro would be involved in the Spanish Supercopa against Athletic Bilbao as speculation continues over the Spain international's future.
Pedro climbed off the bench on Tuesday night to net a dramatic extra-time winner as Barca beat Sevilla 5-4 in Tbilisi to clinch the Super Cup and lift their fourth trophy of what could be a record-equalling year.
However, it remains to be seen if that might be the last time the 28-year-old will be seen in Blaugrana colours as speculation continues to link him with a move to Manchester United.
Pedro was forced to deny comments from Barca technical secretary Robert Fernandez on Tuesday claiming the winger wanted to leave the treble-winners, but he also admitted his situation at the Nou Camp was complicated as he wants more playing time.
The Canary Islander was again a hot topic for Enrique ahead of Friday's Supercopa first leg against Athletic at San Mames, but the Barca boss was again giving little away about the player's possible involvement.
He told a press conference regarding Pedro's availability: "Pedro is like the rest of his team-mates. I do not make decisions based on the transfer market.
"He did not play as a starter in Tbilisi because he withdrew from training a few days before. His position is an unusual and difficult one. His situation is a contradiction because he wants to stay but he always wants more minutes. I'll continue to use the players I deem best to face each particular game.
"I'm looking forward to the end of the transfer window for everything to be decided."
He added: "We have expressed our desire that he stay. It's a tricky one but I see him in good form, just as he has been all pre-season."
Barca's win over Sevilla saw them add to the Champions League, Primera Division and Copa del Rey titles they won last season and they will be looking for trophy number five over the coming days against Athletic.
Should Enrique's men see off their Basque opponents in the Supercopa then they would be one piece of silverware - the FIFA Club World Cup - away from equalling the record set by Pep Guardiola's side in 2009, when they won all six trophies available to them in a calendar year.
Barca have beaten Athletic in each of their last four meetings, including a 3-1 win in the Copa del Rey final in May, but Enrique is expecting it to be another tough encounter.
He said: "We didn't win the cup comfortably, it was a difficult final. Every time we have beat them we have had to play well. Over two legs I think we have the edge but Athletic are always able to trouble us."
Enrique says Andres Iniesta is fit to feature for Barca, but Athletic will be without Ander Iturraspe, Mikel Rico, Iker Muniain and Inaki Williams.
The Basque side, who travel to the Nou Camp for the second leg on Monday, will be hoping to capitalise on any fatigue Barca might be suffering after their midweek exertions, but forward Markel Susaeta knows they cannot bank on any such advantage.
He said: "We cannot make the mistake of thinking Barcelona will be tired after the Super Cup.
"They are the best team in the world and if we want to get a good result we will have to be play an almost perfect game."
Source: PA
