Messi rested? How Barcelona could line up against Getafe

8:00am on Friday 16th October 2020
By Paul Macdonald

Lionel Messi has not only travelled to South America for Argentina's qualifiers, but he played Bolivia in La Paz.

That's one of the highest altitude international fixtures you can play and it can take a good deal of time to recover from.

Granted Messi isn't just anyone, but with Barcelona's numerous striking options, plus the fact that he's 33 now, it wouldn't be outwith the realms of possibility to see him given a much-needed break from action.

On the other hand, Getafe are an excellent side and it's difficult to envision a situation where Ronald Koeman, still fresh in the job, would want to risk mixing things up too much.

Miralem Pjanic played all three matches for Bosnia and also picked up a knock so his involvement is not guaranteed, while Francisco Trincao had minimal involvement with Portugal despite being on international duty.

Jordi Alba is definitely out with a muscular injury so it's likely Sergino Dest will shift across to the left and allow Sergi Roberto to retain his slot on the right.

Up ahead, it's simply whether Messi plays. Chances are he does as Messi is hardly ever dropped, but if there was ever an extensive trip that required a rest, it's this one. But if not, it's surely Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati who lead the line once again.