Lionel Messi has not been included in the Barcelona squad for this week’s UEFA Champions League game against Dynamo Kyiv.
But there is nothing sinister in the decision, according to Barca coach Ronald Koeman, who confirmed that both Messi and Frenkie de Jong will be rested for the tie.
“They need to take some rest and after the good performance in the UCL, it is a good time for them to rest,” Koeman said in the pre-match press conference.
Gerard Pique is also a notable absentee, however Pique suffered a injury in Barca’s 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, and is set to be sidelined for sometime.
Barca will face Kyiv on Tuesday night, as they look to extend their 100% win record in Group G.