Martin Braithwaite has revealed that Xavi has told him he will have "an important role" in the Barcelona team when he returns from knee surgery.

The Denmark international has been on the sidelines since the end of August following a knee operation, but he had made an encouraging start to the season, scoring twice and registering one assist in three outings.

The 30-year-old is believed to be on course to return to action in the early stages of January, and he has revealed that he has had positive conversations with the club's new head coach Xavi.

"Now it is a question of returning soon, but I will have an important role when I return," Braithwaite told TV3.

"I have spoken with [Xavi]. He is clear about what he wants to do and what he wants to change. He knows how he wants to play, and that makes everything very clear. It will be very exciting."

Braithwaite has scored 10 times and registered five assists in 56 appearances for Barcelona since moving to Camp Nou from Leganes in February 2020.

The Catalan outfit are believed to be keen to sign a new forward on loan during the January transfer window amid rumours that Sergio Aguero's heart problems will force him to retire.