Arthur Melo has been left out of Barcelona's matchday squad to face Real Sociedad on Saturday in what is the latest setback for the midfielder

The Brazilian has suffered from fitness problems this season, especially since returning from the November international break.

Of Barcelona's last 10 games, Arthur has been left out of the squad on four occasions because of physical issues.

"He came back from the Brazil camp with some problems," Ernesto Valverde said.

"After the game against Atletico Madrid, we had to stop.

"He had some problems with his pubis."

He had started the campaign well, with goals against Osasuna and Villarreal, and his impressive performances meant that he often started alongside Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong in midfield.

However, Arthur's time at Barcelona has had its controversial moments.

In his first season at the Camp Nou, Arthur came under scrutiny for attending Neymar's birthday party just 48 hours before a Clasico.

"I made a mistake and I'm taking responsibility," he said of the situation.

Arthur's friendship with Neymar got him in hot water again in September as the pair partied into the early hours in Barcelona, one day before the latter's court case with the Catalan club.

One month later, the 23-year-old uploaded a video to Instagram of him driving an electric scooter, which got him a fine.

Now, according to TV3, Arthur's been doing some snowboarding, a high-risk sport, with Barcelona teammate Neto at Grandvalira