Xavi hails 'spectacular' Dani Alves but Barcelona return marked by asterisk

Dani Alves is set to make his first Barcelona appearance since 2016 on Wednesday night against lower league side Linares in the Copa del Rey.

The Brazilian has been named in the 21-man squad for Barca against the third-tier opponents but the Catalan club's ongoing financial problems were evidenced by the player's inclusion.

The Blaugrana could only officially register Alves with the relevant authorities on Wednesday morning and less than 12 hours ahead of his second debut at the club.

The scenario is a result of Barca operating in excess of their imposed wage limits by the Spanish authorities - meaning that any incomings this season had to be justified by exits.

It was a similar situation at the start of the campaign when new signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia could only be registered as multiple senior players agreed a wage cut.

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Barca must justify their savings and attempts at sustainable growth to the relevant authorities in order to obtain the green light for registering any new signings.

This situation meant that for their matchday squad against Linares this midweek - for which new signing Alves was included for the first time - the club had to place an asterisk alongside the Brazilian's name to say that his participation was subject to their success in registering him.

The veteran full-back was registered on Wednesday morning, meaning that he can now play in the match - but the situation was indicative of the club's current situation.

Alves was only able to be registered due to Aguero's unplanned retirement announcement and any further signings must be justified by outgoings.

Barca completed the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City but they will not be able to play the 21-year-old this season without further outgoings.

They are not yet able to register him due to operating above their wage limits and are now in a desperate situation to prove they have reduced their expenditure this month.

The most obvious way to do this would be by player exits - namely Samuel Umtiti and Philippe Coutinho, but they have been unsuccessful in their attempts to do just that for years.

The arrival of Alves does at least provide a boost for new boss Xavi Hernandez, who was a former teammate of the Brazilian at the Camp Nou.

Xavi told reporters on Tuesday: "I see Dani very well, he is a spectacular player with great intensity.

"He has a tremendous competitive pace and he is a great professional.

"We need his passes, his runs, his talent."

Alves is expected to compete for the starting right-back role in Xavi's team, which has been occupied by Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza this season.

Utility midfielder Sergi Roberto can also play in the position while Emerson Royal was sold to Tottenham at the start of the campaign.