Valverde: Replacing Jordi Alba at left-back is always a problem
The Barça coach has no other left-back in the first team squad
Barcelona travel to San Mames to face Athletic Club without defender Jordi Alba, who is suspended.
Alba, as well as being Lionel Messi's best partner on the pitch, doesn't have a natural replacement in the squad -- there is no other left-back in the first team.
Ernesto Valverde, therefore, know it will be very difficult to find someone to do the left-back's role on Sunday
"Replacing a player like Jordi always a problem when he's not available," the coach said in his pregame press conference.
"We have alternative: [we could play one of our] right-backs there, a left-footed centre-back, or a B team defender."
It's a particular problem for Valverde given the challenging nature of the game against an in-form Athletic side.
"Any game is tough at San Mames," the coach added. "For many years [Athletic] have made it hard for Barca there.
"The ground will be packed, the fans press, Athletic press high, they don't let you out of your half of the pitch.
"They are doing well recently, especially at home. It is one of the most difficult games we have left this season."
Barca can move eight points clear with a win after Real Madrid beat Atletico on Saturday to move second.
