Mascherano, Iniesta & Vermaelen all miss Barcelona training
All three are set to miss the game against Athletic
Paulinho could take Iniesta's place at San Mames
Bad news for Ernesto Valverde. The Barcelona coach was without Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen for the final training session before Saturday's game against Athletic Club. None are therefore expected to be available for the game.
Mascherano started in midweek against Real Murcia but has a fever, while Vermaelen, who also played at the Nueva Condomina, has a hip problem.
As for club captain Andres Iniesta, who rested in midweek, he's expected to miss out with a thigh strain.
Iniesta has only missed the league game against Real Betis in La Liga this season but now looks set to miss another match.
Barça B stopper Jokin Ezkieta took part in Friday's training session.
Jordi Alba is back but Barça may only have 17 players available for the trip to Bilbao on Saturday, meaning Valverde may well have to call up one player from the B team for the game.
