Prior to the international break in November, the 31-year-old had started only one game for Barcelona this season which was their 2-0 defeat against Granada in La Liga.
Rakitic made several interviews expressing his frustration at being frozen out from the first team by head coach Ernesto Valverde.
A move away from Camp Nou seemed eminent in the upcoming winter transfer window, but the Croat has been installed back to the team.
The former Sevilla and Schalke 04 midfielder has now played four consecutive games as a starter for the La Liga champions.
Valverde insists Rakitic is not for sale despite interest from elite European clubs like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter Milan.
The Spanish coach says the Croatian international is very important for Barcelona and he is happy with his recent performances.
“He is a very reliable player,” the former Athletic Bilbao and Valencia manager said.
“When he was not featuring, he kept training hard to seize his opportunity.”
“We had a couple of big games last week, he played well and we’re happy with that. We’ll see what happens in the coming games.”
Rakitic signed for Barcelona from Sevilla on a five-year deal in June 2014 and has won many trophies including 4 league titles and one Champions League with the Blaugrana.
