Barcelona travel to the Etihad stadium for their fourth Champions League group-stage match, where a win would more or less secure the top spot in the group for the Blaugranas.
The teams news for the much awaited contest between Manchester City and Barcelona has been confirmed by managers of both the respective clubs –
Barcelona:
The Spanish giants have a number of casualties going into the game with Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Aleix Vidal all ruled out with injuries for the tie.
Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba picked up injuries in the previous contest between the two sides at Camp Nou, with Pique injuring his ankle after a poor challenge from David Silva while Jordi Alba suffering from a recurrence of a hamstring injury. Both the players are expected to be fit around mid-November.
Midfield maestro Andres Iniesta had to leave the field on a stretcher against Valencia after a strong tackle from Enzo Perez. The Spanish midfielder suffered a partial tear in his knee ligament, which rules him out for the calendar year.
Aleix Vidal mysterious injury continues; as not much is known about the current status of the player.
However, there are also some positives as Arda Turan has recovered from the knock he sustained during a training session in the buildup to the contest against Valencia while Jasper Cillessen is also deemed fit enough to travel with the squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
Manager Luis Enrique has called up three youngsters from the B team for the tie – Marlon, Nili and Aleñá.
Complete travelling squad: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Masip, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Denis Suárez, Arda Turan, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Rafinha, Mascherano, Paco Alcácer, Lucas Digne, Sergi Roberto, André Gomes, Umtiti, Aleñá, Nili and Marlon.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola confirmed both the right-backs – Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna – are ruled out for the clash. Midfielder Fernando is most likely to fill in that spot.
There’s no return date confirmed for Fabian Delph’s injury, and he remains another casualty for Tuesday.
Kevin De Bruyne recovered from the knock he suffered against Southampton, coming on in the 68th minute at the weekend and making instant impact with an assist. The Belgian is expected to be fit and ready to start for the crucial game.
There are no other casualties reported by Manchester City.
Pep also confirmed Sergio Aguero will lead the line against the Catalan giants after being dropped at Camp Nou.
