Barcelona will reportedly be without Lionel Messi for a third match in succession this weekend.
Having suffered a calf problem while on international duty with Argentina over the summer, Messi has not featured against either Athletic Bilbao or Celta Vigo.
The forward had been expected to play a part against Osasuna on Saturday, likely from the substitutes' bench, but it now appears that the 32-year-old will stay on the sidelines.
While Barcelona are said to have rejected RAC1's claim that Messi had suffered a setback, the playmaker did not train with the rest of the squad on Wednesday.
As a result of the upcoming international break and the start of the Champions League next month, manager Ernesto Valverde is unlikely to take any risks on his star man.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
