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Barcelona news: Iniesta and Coutinho replacements demands by Messi for Chelsea clash
LIONEL MESSI has reportedly told Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde which players he wants to replace Andres Iniesta and Philippe Coutinho against Chelsea.
Messi scores sensational goals in Barcelona training
Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea is in the balance after the first leg at Stamford Bridge ended 1-1.
Iniesta is a major doubt for the second leg at the Nou Camp next Wednesday (7.45pm) after limping out of yesterday’s La Liga victory against Atletico Madrid with a hamstring injury.
January signing Coutinho is ineligible to play after featuring for Liverpool in the group stage before sealing his move.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Messi wants Denis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele to come into Barcelona's starting XI for Iniesta and Coutinho.
Suarez, 24 has been on the fringes of Valverde’s first team, despite notching three goals and six assists in his 18 appearances.
Barcelona news: Lionel Messi wants Denis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele to start against Chelsea
Andre Gomes replaced Iniesta in the 36th minute of Barcelona’s win against Atletico Madrid while Paulinho also came on as a late substitute.
But it is claimed that Messi believes Suarez is better with the ball at his feet.
Don Balon also suggest that Messi thinks Dembele needs to start because his pace will cause problems for Chelsea.
Reports in Spain suggest Iniesta could be sidelined for up to four weeks and Valverde is already pondering who might take his place in the team.
Barcelona news: Andres Iniesta is injured while Philippe Coutinho is ineligible
"Iniesta is a unique player, a little like [Leo] Messi, so it’s difficult to find a player who can replace him," he said.
"He's unique in the world with the characteristics he has.
“We will have to see the extent of the injury.
“He carried on playing so we thought it wasn’t too bad, but we’re not sure… He was playing incredibly.”
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