A Barcelona side without the injured Lionel Messi head to face Sevilla at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday, desperate to move back to the summit of La Liga.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique launched a staunch defence of his players after they came from behind without the injured Lionel Messi to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on Tuesday.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi will be back in action before the two months originally stipulated, Argentina team doctor Donato Villani has said.

Having helped the Blaugrana to four titles, the Argentine attacker is already the finest footballer to play Champions League.

Manchester United and Lazio are all geared up for the Champions League play-off second leg on Wednesday.