MARCH 7, 2018 – FC Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League tie against Chelsea is poised on a knife edge but the Catalans will have to cope without their inspirational captain Andres Iniesta.
The Spaniard is a man who has pedigree when it comes to beating the Blues, and his absence is something the Liga leaders have to worry over in the next few days.
The hamstring injury Iniesta suffered on Sunday in their 1-0 La Liga win over Atletico Madrid is serious.
Barring what the Spanish media have called a “miracle recovery”, it will keep him out of the last 16 second leg on March 14.
The FC Barcelona skipper scored a dramatic 93rd minute goal at Stamford Bridge in 2009 against Chelsea in the semi-finals to send his side through on away goals.
Pep Guardiola’s men went on to beat Manchester United 2-0 in the final, becoming the first Spanish side to complete a treble, having won La Liga and the King’s Cup.
However, it was Iniesta’s stoppage time goal in London that stood out as many fans’ highlight of the campaign.
The captain also helped salvage a 1-1 draw for FC Barcelona in last month’s first leg, when he teed up Lionel Messi to equalise.
It was one of the few chances Ernesto Valverde’s side mustered in that game.
The odds are against Antonio Conte’s stuttering Chelsea in the second leg at Camp Nou, where FC Barcelona are unbeaten in all three major competitions this season.
But Iniesta’s absence is still a setback for the hosts.
In La Liga, FC Barcelona’s record signing Philippe Coutinho can fill in for the 33-year-old playmaker but the Brazilian is Cup-tied in the Champions League after joining from Liverpool in January.
That leaves Valverde with a tough decision to make, over which of Paulinho, Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez or Ousmane Dembele steps in for Iniesta.
None of the options have convinced.
Paulinho started the season well but since Christmas has looked jaded and was widely criticised for a poor performance in the first leg.
Gomes came on as a substitute for Iniesta during the win over Atletico but was whistled by some FC Barcelona fans during another disappointing display.
Denis has the most similar style to the captain but has not played for Barca since their 1-0 King’s Cup defeat by Espanyol on Jan. 17.
Ousmane Dembele is a forward and his inclusion would see the formation change from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3.
Even without Iniesta, FC Barcelona are favourites to progress, given Chelsea’s struggles to keep up with the top four in the English Premier League.
But, Messi aside, the veteran is the most essential component in setting the team’s style and pace.
FC Barcelona may need a new hero to step up.
