Koeman reveals Riqui Puig registered to Barca B was the decision of the club

Unlike Alena, Pedri and Trincao, Puig hasn't been given a first-team number at Barca.

"It's also the decision of the club, there are players who are going to have a first-team number and others not," Ronald Koeman replied when asked why Riqui Puig hasn't been registered with Barcelona's first team for the 2020/21 season.

"It is not true that I don't want him because tomorrow if he is on the squad list, it is not a number issue, it is a technical decision."

Unlike the 21-year-old, Carles Alena, Francisco Trincao and Pedri were handed first-team numbers earlier on Saturday. Puig, meanwhile, is set to wear the No. 28 shirt in the upcoming campaign.

Registering the Riqui with the B side will help the Catalans financially as his salary won't be included in the first-team wage bill.

Nevertheless, Puig will be in Barca's squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Villarreal.