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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Ben Hayward

How will Barcelona line up vs Valencia? Lionel Messi out, Luis Suarez returns

Lionel Messi misses out for Barcelona against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday, but Luis Suarez is back for the Blaugrana.

The Uruguayan striker suffered a calf injury in Barca's 1-0 loss away to Athletic Club on the opening weekend of the season, but is ready to return and his been named in the squad to face Valencia.

Messi has been out for longer with a calf problem of his own which he sustained on his return to pre-season training and coach Ernesto Valverde said on Friday that he may still need a little longer to recover.

"His scar opened a little and we're taking things calmly," the Barca boss said. "He's on schedule with his recovery. I don't know if he'll be back on Tuesday, perhaps later. I don't want to create expectation. Tuesday will be difficult."

That means Messi could also miss the Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund, but he is definitely out for the Valencia match.

French forward Ousmane Dembele is still sidelined and will play no part on Saturday, while defender Samuel Umtiti is expected to be out for around six weeks with a foot injury.

Youngsters Ansu Fati and Carles Perez are in the squad again after featuring in recent games, while fellow La Masia graduate Carles Alena returns in midfield, having been left out of the last two squads.

Back-up goalkeeper Neto remains out through injury, while Rafinha left Barca to join Celta Vigo on loan before the close of the transfer window on September 2.

Barcelona predicted XI

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Sergi Roberto; Carles Perez, Suarez, Griezmann

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