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Barcelona Team: Luis Suarez dropped as Lionel Messi starts against Eibar
BARCELONA striker Luis Suarez was dropped to the bench for tonight’s La Liga clash with Eibar.
Barcelona's Luis Suarez starts on the bench tonight
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had spent much of the build-up to the game discussing who would replace the injured Ousmane Dembele in Barca’s front three.
But the boss decided to make two big changes to his attacking unit that will accompany Lionel Messi tonight.
Messi will play alongside Gerard Deulofeu, who replaces Dembele.
But in a surprise move the boss has granted Denis Suarez a start ahead of Luis.
It is thought Valverde has decided to rest former Liverpool star Luis as he continues he comeback from a knee injury.
The Uruguay international was rushed back from the injury sustained at the start of the season but Valverde doesn’t want to put too much on one of his star players.
Instead, Denis Suarez gets the chance to impress his manager alongside Deulofeu as Valverde seeks a long-term stand-in for Dembele.
Dembele underwent a hamstring operation in Helsinki today and will be absent until the New Year.
Luis Suarez scores magnificent bicycle kick for Barcelona
Barcelona vs Eibar teams
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Busquetes, Denis Suarez, Iniesta, Messi, Mascherano, Paulinho, Deulofeu, Digne.
Eibar: Dmitrovic, Galvez, Escalante, Capa, Inui, Enrich, Paulo, Garcia, Arbilla, Junca, Jordan.
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