Ivan Rakitic is ‘very confident’ Barcelona have enough to see off Inter in the Champions League despite the absence of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine’s arm injury has sidelined him from action for three weeks with Barca’s first match in their Messi-less run seeing Inter, who have won seven games in a row, visit the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
“I didn’t watch the Milan derby, but Perisic told me it was tough and difficult for him,” the midfielder told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Still, he was enthusiastic about the victory. We can see that Inter are hungry and enthusiastic.
“They’ve lost Nainggolan, but Rafinha told me that they had great desire for the Champions League. Still, I’m very confident.
“Messi’s injury gives others an opportunity to play. We’ve lost the best player in the world, but we’re Barcelona, plus Dembele is very strong.
“Icardi in his first Champions League? It doesn’t seem true. He’s one of the best in the world.
“He seems like a real captain and Perisic also tells me that he’s very good.”
