Tito Vilanova has dropped Lionel Messi to the bench for Barcelona’s trip to Getafe this Saturday evening.
Messi, who has scored four times in the League already to mark a personal best start to a La Liga campaign, has previously played in every minute under Vilanova.
The Argentine international represented his country in two South American stage World Cup qualification matches last week.
In his place plays Cesc Fabregas in an apparent ‘false 9’ role, flanked by Cristian Tello and Pedro Rodriguez. Martin Montoya line-ups alongside the returning Carles Puyol in defence, whilst Thiago Alcantara manages a start for his first appearance of the season too. In all, there are six changes to the team that last lined up in Week 3 against Valencia.
Barca, who are without Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez through injury and Jordi Alba through illness, name Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves and David Villa alongside Messi on the bench.
Getafe, meanwhile, make just the one change, with attacking midfielder Diego Castro coming in, in place of Angel Lafita.
Starting line-ups
Getafe: Moya; Valera, Alexis, Lopo, M. Torres; Michel, Xavi Torres; Barrada, Diego Castro, Pedro Leon; Colunga
Barcelona: Valdes; Montoya, Puyol, Pique, Adriano; Xavi, Busquets, Thiago; Pedro, Cesc, Tello
