Nigeria international Ezekiel Bassey has explained why he could not feature for the B team of Barcelona in the recently concluded season.

Barcelona B secured promotion to the Segunda división B group II for the sixth time in their history following their victory over Racing de Santander in the play-off final on Sunday, and the Enyimba loanee did not make a single appearance for Gerard López's side over the course of the season.

Speculations were rife in the local and foreign media that Bassey could not dress for Barca B because he was not granted a work permit, but he quickly dismissed those thoughts when questioned.

''I could not play earlier in the season because my work permit was delayed, I was granted a work permit only last month,'' said Ezekiel Bassey to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Along the line, I got injured. It was a shoulder injury but I am okay now.''

Barcelona can activate their two-year option to extend Ezekiel Bassey's stay in Catalonia as from July 1, and the striker is in the dark whether or not they will buy him outright from Enyimba.

''The season just ended on Sunday. The club have to meet to decide if they will keep me or not, I still have a contract with them until June 30,'' concluded Bassey.

The 20-year-old Ezekiel Bassey departed Spain for Germany on Monday morning, he is expected to arrive in Nigeria later this week.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel