Pedro Rodriguez
Barcelona manager has revealed that it was Pedro's lack of fitness that caused him to be left out of the starting XI against Sevilla. Getty

Luis Enrique has revealed that is was Pedro's lack of fitness which was the reason for the forward being omitted from the starting line up for Barcelona's Uefa Super Cup clash against Sevilla on Tuesday 11 August. The Catalans won the match 5-4 in extra time.

The Spanish international forward has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, with Spanish publication AS suggesting that a deal is imminent after the Red Devils sent emissaries to finalise the deal.

The Catalan giants are reluctant to let the player go, but the player is said to be keen on a move in order to get regular playing time, which he has not been afforded at Camp Nou due to the brilliant understanding between Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, Pedro's former club's president Jamie Lorenzo has admitted that the player has told family and friends about his impending departure to England, with the player refusing to deny a possible exit following Barcelona's victory on Tuesday night.

The manager's decision to drop the Spaniard for the clash pointed towards his imminent departure from the club, but Enrique has made it clear that Pedro was carrying an injury, while suggesting his current situation made him choose a more suitable XI to start the game. The La Liga giants' manager also indicated that he would make the same decision if given another chance.

"Pedro two days ago was unable to train due to injury. We know that the situation is difficult and have chosen the eleven considered better, and do it again," Enrique said, as quoted by Spanish daily Marca.

"I understand the criticism that does not agree with my decision, but I do my job," the former Celta Vigo manager added.