Luis Suarez will not play against Tottenham on Tuesday night, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has confirmed.
Spurs must match or better Inter Milan’s result – the Italians host PSV Eindhoven – to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
After three group matches qualification seemed unlikely for the Londoners, but back-to-back victories over PSV and Inter have rekindled their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
It is likely Mauricio Pochettino’s men will have to beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Thankfully the La Liga giants have already topped the group, meaning they may rest players.
Valverde confirmed as much in his press conference on Monday. According to journalist Samuel Marsden, Valderde said changes are likely and Suarez will be left out.
Valverde says changes are likely but Barça will respect the competition. Luis Suarez will not play.
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) December 10, 2018
The former Liverpool striker recently returned from an injury, playing the majority of Barcelona’s La Liga win against Espanyol at the weekend and finding the net.
There is no word as of yet on whether Lionel Messi will play a part. The Argentinian terrorised Tottenham in the reverse fixture at Wembley, scoring twice in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory.
It’s safe to say Spurs fans will be fearing the worst if Messi is in the starting line-up.
