Silvinho may have been a mere decoy or he could be Barcelona's answer to a defensive problem in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Brazilian attended the pre-match news conference with coach Pep Guardiola but neither revealed how Barcelona would overcome the loss of centre-backs Carles Pujol and Rafael Marquez.
Barca captain Pujol is suspended and Mexican Marquez out for the season with a knee injury, raising the possibility of former Arsenal defender Silvinho lining up at left back with Eric Abidal moving into the centre.
"I'm not worried one bit about not having Pujol and Marquez," Guardiola said on Tuesday. "Whoever I put in will compete, will fight and will do good job."
Another option in central defence is Martin Caceres but Chelsea can expect Barcelona to play their usual game, concentrating on all out attack.
The 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Nou Camp was the only home match this season that Barcelona have failed to find the net in, thanks to Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink's defensive tactics.
Guardiola will not seek to match Chelsea's physical strength at Stamford Bridge.
"Tomorrow we won't go out to clash, because they are stronger than us, we will clash little and attack fast," he said.
Barcelona quickly put last week's 0-0 draw behind them with a 6-2 demolition of Real Madrid in the Primera Liga at the weekend, which prompted questions as to whether the team might be too relaxed against Chelsea.
"Maybe in December that might have had a negative effect but now we are in the end of the season and everyone is geared for games that are all important," he said.
"The merit of that win is the very good second half of the season that Real Madrid have been having."
Real had won 17 and drawn one match in an unbeaten run since their last defeat, away to Barcelona.
