Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has revealed that Javier Mascherano will not be fit to play against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Argentine was forced off in the first half of his team's 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the weekend with a thigh problem following a collision with James Rodriguez.

Barcelona revealed on Sunday that the centre-back had suffered 'bruising' rather than a muscular injury, but Enrique has said that the 31-year-old will miss Tuesday's Group E clash.

"Mascherano took a nasty blow to the quadriceps [against Madrid], so it's logical that he doesn't play. He didn't train [on Monday] and I don't want to risk him," Enrique told reporters.

Lionel Messi is expected to return to the starting XI against Roma after making his return from a knee injury off the bench in El Clasico.

Written by
Matt Law