Options to cover for Messi, Busquets and Abidal

Barça are missing some crucial players for the match at home to Sporting, and here we look at the options available to Guardiola as replacements.

Barça have already played several games this season without Messi, Busquets or Abidal, the first of whom is suspended this weekend, while the other two are injured. The Argentinian has not started 6 matches, Busquets has missed 14, and the French defender has been out for 9. The following are the different options available as cover.

It must be remembered that one of the usual choices to take over from Messi, Thiago, is having problems with his tibia, and is also in doubt for the game against Sporting. (via FCBarcelona.com)