There is nothing holding Ivan Rakitic back but himself, after the Barcelona midfielder finds himself having overcome a niggling achilles injury and yet still out of the starting XI.
Luis Enrique simply trusts Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez more at this point in time, as evidenced by the Croatian's full fitness and total lack of action for the matches with Osasuna and Espanyol.
According to MARCA sources, it's no mistake in the Blaugrana boss' mind. The summer signings that now threaten Rakitic were brought in by sporting director Robert Fernandez with competition for places very much in mind, pushing the existing starters to improve their performance levels.
Back in the side for the Copa del Rey rout over Hercules, the playmaker is now on holiday as LaLiga slides into its winter break, and is left pondering his role at a key moment in his career.
A tough January fixture list awaits Barcelona, and if Rakitic fails to find form then it will become a nervy wait for the midfielder as he looks to hit his previous heights, and patience may be required.
With his contract not up until 2019, there is time for the Croatian to turn things around even at 28 and he's made no noises about leaving the club, with Juventus constant admirers of his signature.