Barcelona take their first test without Messi against Sporting Gijon
Arda Turan is expected to fill the Messi gap, but will he cope? Barcelona take on Sporting at El Molinon at 4.15pm CET and will be without the injured Argentine maestro
Barcelona head to El Molinon prepared for a test of fire, where we will see if Messidependencia is a problem. Above all it is a big game for Arda Turan, who is likely to fill Messi’s role on the right-hand side of the attack.
Barcelona cannot slip up again after dropping three points against Alaves and two against Atletico Madrid, both at Camp Nou. However, away from home they have been impeccable, beating Athletic Bilbao and Leganes 1-0 and 5-1 respectively on the road.
The inclusion of Turan might not be the only change to the team, with Mathieu a potential starter in place of Gerard Pique to the detriment of Javier Mascherano, while Samuel Umtiti is out injured.
Aleix Vidal has been left out of the squad for the fourth consecutive game while Rafinha is back in.
Sporting for their part have started the season well, although lost 5-0 to Atletico Madrid and 2-1 to Celta Vigo in their most recent games. Luis Enrique and Abelardo, two great friends, will meet again on the sidelines.
