Barcelona have rested Lionel Messi for their La Liga clash with bottom side Huesca on Saturday.
The Argentine star was given the all-clear after scans following a collision with Manchester United's Chris Smalling in the Champions League on Wednesday that left him bruised and bloodied.
But, with Barca 11 points clear at the top of the table and the second leg against United to come on Tuesday, boss Ernesto Valverde has decided to make a number of changes.
Regarding Messi, he told a press conference on Friday: "It is possible that Messi will be rested. The blow was strong, as if a train passes over you. I spoke with him and it is a possibility."
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That decision has now been confirmed after the 18-man squad for the encounter did not involve Messi, with the boss also opting to rest Sergio Busquets.
Ivan Rakitic is also absent from the squad with a fever, while Sergio Roberto is injured and Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique are both suspended.
Huesca lost 8-2 when the teams met at the Nou Camp earlier in the season and sit six points adrift of safety but have improved through the campaign.
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Coach Francisco said: "Everyone can understand that it is the best time to face Barca.
"They are in the Champions League and come from beating Atletico to leave La Liga almost wrapped up.
"But they always have the obligation to play well and win, regardless of the players who come.
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"We have to be aggressive, but we must be balanced against a rival that with space is going to kill you. We are going to suffer."
Top scorer Ezequiel Avila does not feel Messi's absence will make too much difference, saying on sdhuesca.es: "He is the best player in the world, but they have many other great players and they will not all be missing.
"We know that in this type of match we are not going to have many chances and that we have to take advantage of them."
