Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde insists he is not worried by Luis Suarez’s current run of form.

The Uruguayan has netted just twice so far this season and has demonstrated an alarming lack of sharpness in front of goal.

Wednesday was a case in point, as he squandered a host of chances as the Blaugrana could only manage a 1-0 win away at Sporting Lisbon.

His latest display has led to suggestions that the 30-year-old no longer merits his place in the starting XI and that Valverde would be best served by giving him a rest and allowing Paco Alcacer a run in the side.

Barca currently top La Liga and welcome Las Palmas on Sunday for a game they are 1.07 to win, with the draw 12.00 and the Canary Islanders the 29.00 outsiders.

The game could provide Suarez with a chance to get back on track and Valverde has assured the former Liverpool man he remains safe in his line-up.

Having scored last weekend against Girona, the boss is confident it is only a matter of time before his number nine rediscovers his shooting boots.

“He scored on Saturday so I think we can leave him in peace for a while,” Valverde told reporters after the match.

“He didn’t score today and of course we always want him to score as he is our striker, but he is always near the goal.

“Today he had a good opportunity but couldn’t score but he is always close to scoring and he was close today for the goal we did score.”