Xavi denies possible Aubameyang return

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has denied reports of ex-Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning to the club.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie against Real Betis, Xavi told journalists that he knew nothing about a meeting with Aubameyang about a possible return to Barcelona.

Aubameyang has only made nine Premier League appearances since moving to Chelsea from Barcelona in the summer and has only been in the starting lineup on four occasions.

The Gabonese striker has struggled for game time and form, and in his last appearance for the club, he was both substituted in and substituted out against Manchester City.

He has only scored one league goal this season and last scored for Chelsea in October in the UEFA Champions League.

Rumours of Aubameyang returning to Spain began to circulate as a result of his struggles in London, Chelsea's relentless pursuit of another striker, and Barcelona's lack of a backup for Robert Lewandowski.

Xavi has, however, ruled out a move for his former star, saying that he does not expect any January deals and is happy with the team that he has at his disposal.

He was quoted as saying, "We are happy with the squad." In principle, there will be no changes. There has been no meeting.”

Aubameyang could welcome a move back to Barcelona, where he scored 13 goals in 17 La Liga appearances, even if it means he will compete with Lewandowski for a starting spot, as long as he can end what is becoming a Chelsea nightmare.

Unfortunately, that move might not be possible seeing as Xavi is unwilling to change his current squad and Barcelona might struggle to make another financial commitment.