Dos Santos after Barca chance

Jonathan dos Santos is hoping he will be offered the opportunity to impress Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola in the second half of the season.

The Mexico international midfielder has not featured for the La Liga club in a competitive fixture this season.

But with Seydou Keita unavailable for up to a month because of Mali’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February, Dos Santos is hoping to see first-team action.

“I am very excited and hope it’s my time,” the 21-year-old Barca B team regular told EFE. “There are many players who could replace (Keita), such as Sergi Roberto.”

“But I will be here making the most of every day with my team and working to the maximum.”

“I know I’m working well, I’m having a good season and Guardiola knows that he can count of any of us any time he needs me.”

The midfielder, who has been capped seven times by his country, has made just a handful of senior appearances for Barca and was linked with English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers earlier this season.