Barcelona did not list Lionel Messi among the squad for their final group stage match of Champions League against Inter. So, he is not in the Valverde’s plan for the game.
Though, with their 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, Barca already obtains a place in the final 16 of Group F. The Catalans manager, Ernesto Valverde clearly takes Messi out the trip to Milan because they qualifies to the knockout stage already.
However, Leo overcame an injury-hit start to this season but becoming a bit rusty since returning to full fitness. Just after his record sixth Ballon d’Or success, later, his 35th hat-trick record on Saturday.
But, Gerard Pique also joins Messi in the list of players put out of Barca’s squad. While Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo are still recovering from their hamstring and calf problems respectively.
Striker Luis Suarez, who scored both goals in Barca’s 2-1 win over Inter in October will play. Alongside Antoine Griezmann within the 20-man squad set for the game.
So, after the match at San Siro on Tuesday, the Catalans stands up against Real Sociedad on Saturday. Then, take on Real Madrid in El Clasico in Camp Nou on December 18. And another LaLiga match against Deportivo Alaves to end the year.
Valverde is resting the players for their three straight league games, especially the Clasico. While their place in the knockouts is sure.
Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri needs to at least equal Dortmund’s result against Slavia Prague to ensure progression. This might actually be to favor Inter’s side to advance to the knockouts too.
