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Barcelona team news: Predicted line up vs Inter – Lionel Messi injury replacement revealed
BARCELONA face Inter Milan in the Champions League group stages without injured superstar Lionel Messi.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi injures arm during Sevilla clash
Barcelona are without Lionel Messi for their Champions League showdown with Inter at the San Siro on Wednesday night.
The Argentine superstar fractured his arm during the 4-2 victory over Sevilla at the weekend, instantly ending hopes of participating in the midweek clash.
Messi is also a serious doubt for the showdown with Real Madrid in El Clasico next weekend though the club will make every effort to patch him up in time to play.
In his absence, Barcelona will start with Luis Suarez up front supported by Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele of either side.
Coutinho scored after two minutes against Sevilla and will be relied on to deliver against Inter.
Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets will assume their traditional positions in the midfield alongside the heir to Xavi's throne, Arthur.
The Brazilian youngster has made a big impression since arriving at the Nou Camp and will be trusted in the Champions League once again.
Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen are ruled out of the clash, meaning Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet will start in the heart of defence.
Sergi Roberto will be preferred to Nelson Semedo at right-back, with Jordi Alba on the left side.
Boss Ernesto Valverde will be keen to maintain his side's 100 per cent record in Europe this season, with Barcelona scoring four goals in each of their two games so far.
Predicted Barcelona team vs Inter
(4-3-3) Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Dembele, Suarez, Coutinho.