Barcelona will be without Umtiti until 2018 after the France international picked up a hamstring injury in the club’s 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo at the weekend.

It leaves manager Valverde with a selection dilemma, particularly with their La Liga showdown with Real Madrid looming large.

Mascherano has been tipped to leave Barcelona in January, with clubs from the Chinese Super League determined to secure his signature.

But Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Messi wants the Catalan giants to pick the Argentina international while Umtiti is sidelined.

Barcelona have been tipped to splash the cash in the wake of Umtiti’s blow.

Real Sociedad star Inigo Martinez could make the move to the Nou Camp, along with Colombian centre-back Yerry Mina.

Valverde’s side remain a work in progress despite the fact they remain unbeaten in the league.

But Don Balon say Messi has told Valverde to postpone his plans for an overhaul until the end of the season.

Messi and Mascherano are close friends off the field.

And the Argentina international wants his compatriot to stay put - for a few more months at least.

Speaking in October, Mascherano hinted his time at Barcelona was coming to an end.

"I have my contract to honour with the club, but obviously, once the season is over we'll see what needs to be done—I haven't spoken to anyone about it yet," he said. 

"At Barcelona, they've always said that they're happy with me and I have time to think about it."