Barcelona B coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta has been talking about Carles Alena and says he wants the midfielder to be part of the first team squad as soon as possible.

Alena missed the start of the season as he was still recovering from undergoing surgery back in June. He made his comeback in Barca B’s 1-0 win over Sabadell in September.

The midfielder has yet to feature for Ernesto Valverde’s first team, but Garcia Pimienta wants him with the senior side as soon as possible.

“Carles is a member of the first team but due to his injury he has a shirt with the B team,” he said. ”We are working exclusively with the idea of him being ready for the first team as soon as possible. In fact, he trains all week with the first team. ”This week he’s done two sessions with us, but what I want is that next week, or as soon as possible, he’s part of the first team squad. ”We have a player that is just 20 years old, who has spent his whole life at the club and is motivated to recover and get his rhythm back. ”And when he plays like he is playing, we are delighted to have him and I hope that he will be ready for the first team soon. Physically? He’s perfect.” Source | Sport

Valverde said at the end of the last campaign that he wanted Alena in his squad next season. His injury has set him back at little, but Valverde has hardly shown he’s willing to give youngsters a chance since taking charge.