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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Arthur returns to Barcelona, but will not play in the Champions League

Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo is back at the Catalan club after an extended break in Brazil, but the 23-year-old is not expected to play for the Blaugrana again.

Arthur took advantage of a few days off after LaLiga to travel to his homeland and informed Barca he would not be returning for the Champions League.

The former Gremio player is now back, but is hoping to rescind his contract and has no intention of playing for Barca in the European competition.

Barca have decided to take disciplinary action against the Brazilian and president Josep Maria Bartomeu described his behaviour as 'unacceptable' earlier this week.

Arthur was transferred to Juventus at the end of June, despite insisting on a number of occasions that he did not want to leave Barcelona.

The Brazilian has not featured since for Barca and missed the last game of the league season after telling coach Quique Setien he had an ankle problem.

He will play no part in the team's Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli on Saturday.

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