Summer signing Malcom’s lack of action at Barcelona is “difficult to explain”, according to his agent.

Malcom, 21, was stolen from Roma’s grasp at the last second in July. But the €41 million buy from Bordeaux has played just 25 minutes in La Liga, across two, brief, substitute appearances.

Speaking to RAC1, representative Junior Minguella spoke about his client’s situation.

“It is difficult to explain,” he said. “All players need adaptation and Malcom has had enough time to do it and have minutes.

“So far he has not had them, but when he can play he will demonstrate the quality he has.”

He added: “He’s fine [Malcom] and eager to play. He does not like the situation, but he is focused and very motivated.”

Malcom has been called up for Brazil’s imminent friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Argentina. The forward scored 23 times in 96 matches for Bordeaux after a January 2016 move from Corinthians.