Messi to miss Barcelona’s season opener against Bilbao

CAIRO-16 August 2019: Barcelona start LaLiga new season on Friday night when they face Athletic Club at San Mames without their biggest star, Lionel Messi, who suffered an injury during the pre-season preparations.

Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde, will count on a trio of Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and the club’s new signing, Antoine Griezmann who joined the club this summer from Atletico Madrid.

“We won't take risks, let alone with Messi," Valverde commented on Messi’s absence.

Messi did not miss an opener since 2009-2010 season when he missed Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Sporting Gijón.

Barcelona players hope to continue their dominance over the title as Barcelona won 8 out of the last 11 LaLiga titles while Real Madrid won two title and Atletico Madrid won one title in 2014.

Valverde’s chosen squad for the game consists of: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha, Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann, Jordi Alba, Carles Alena, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo, Inaki Pena and Perez.

The game starts on 9:00 pm.