Villa in, Messi out for Copa

Barcelona have rested Lionel Messi and a number of other first team stars for their second leg Copa del Rey clash with Alaves this week.

Barca are 3-0 up in the two-legged affair after late-October’s win at the Vitoria-Gasteiz and as a result, Coach Tito Vilanova has taken the opportunity to hand a breather to a number of first team stars.

Messi, Xavi Hernadez, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Victor Valdes have all been omitted from the squad for Wednesday’s clash.

Meanwhile, David Villa is included in the selection that lists a number of B team players, after returning to training on Monday having recovered from a foot injury.

Barcelona squad to face Alaves: Pinto, Oier, Montoya, Puyol, Mascherano, Adriano, Planas, Song, Dos Santos, Sergi Roberto, Thiago, Fabregas, Pedro, Villa, Deulofeu, Tello

Tags Messi Villa
La Liga - Club News