As for the visitors, while Barcelona may have managed to pick up a 5-2 win over Valencia on Saturday, the pressure firmly remains on the shoulder of Ernesto Valverde. Opening the new La Liga campaign with a shock 1-0 loss away at Atheltic Bilbao on the opening weekend, the Spanish giants have also dropped points against a returning Osasuna. A huge part of Barca s recent issue has been down to their struggles away from the Nou Camp. Remarkably, the guests have failed to win any of their last four domestic matches on the road and their final European match outside of Catalonia ended with a 4-0 hammering at Anfield. While 16-year-old sensation Anssumane Fati may have done a stellar job of filling the void in Barcelona s attack and has already bagged two goals in his opening three appearances, Tuesday s traveling support will be overwhelmed to see five-time Ballon d Or winner Lionel Messi make his return. Not featuring since picking up an injury while away with Argentina in July, the 32-year-old bagged 36 La Liga goals last season, 15 more than any other player.
Team News
Lionel Messi is in contention to feature for the first time this season after returning to training on Sunday. The Argentine attacker has been sidelined after sustaining a calf injury on his return to pre-season training in August but has traveled with the Barca squad to Germany.
Key Factors to Consider
