Chelsea boost as Barcelona superstar Andres Iniesta doubtful for Champions League clash
The Barca captain had to be subbed off with a hamstring injury last Sunday and is set to miss today's game against Malaga.
BARCELONA captain Andres Iniesta still remains doubtful ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League game against Chelsea.
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde has suggested a hamstring injury could rule his side's captain out of the game.
Andres Iniesta had to be substituted in the first half of Sunday's 1-0 LaLiga win against Atletico Madrid.
Iniesta is set to miss Barcelona's game against Malaga this evening but the question still remains as to whether he will be fully fit for Wednesday.
Valverde revealed in his press conference: ""He is training separately at the moment. Obviously we do not want to rush things, it's too early to say if he will be available for next week."
"We have similar players, although he is unique. We have similar profile players, Denis [Suarez] and [Philippe] Coutinho, Andre Gomes as well."
"Their characteristics are comparable and they could play in [Iniesta's] position."
As well as giving an update regarding Iniesta, the manager also spoke about Ousmane Dembele's fitness too.
Dembele has struggled with injury problems since joining from Borussia Dortmund but Valverde is willing to be patient with his development.
"Tomorrow's game, any game - it's good for a player," Valverde said. "Of course he needs to play so we need to see, but we have high expectations of him as a player.
"Dembele likes to take players on, he's a dribbler and a power player who likes to break into space, he has the ability to do this. He has a lot of virtues."
"He is 20 years old and there are things for him to fine-tune over time. With experience, he will start to perfect areas."