Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says he will consider
resting forward Lionel Messi for his side's trip to
Levante.
Argentina captain Messi has played every minute of
the season so far for the Catalan giants, who have
won their opening four games in all competitions.
But Enrique indicated that he may elect to give the
27-year-old a break.
"Being without Messi would affect us like any other
team. If he could play every minute he would, but I
understand that is difficult," Enrique said.
"I will manage it as best I can, but always thinking
about what is best for the team. Over the course of
the season I am going to need all my players."
Barcelona have not yet conceded a goal in La Liga,
and began their Champions League campaign with a
1-0 win over Apoel Nicosia at the Nou Camp last
week.
Levante are currently bottom of the table and have
not beaten Barca - who have not conceded a goal
this season - at home in the league since the
1964-65 campaign.
Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar believes Enrique's
Barcelona have recaptured the style of Pep
Guardiola's Barcelona.
He said: "Barcelona have become more aggressive,
just like in Guardiola's first season. Luis Enrique is
not a manager who only picks big-name players or
has his favourite."
Enrique is are still without Thomas Vermaelen, who
joined from Arsenal in the summer, as he recovers
from a hamstring injury although Enrique is
optimistic the 28-year-old Belgium centre-back will
be available soon.
"He's getting better every day," Enrique said.
"Obviously it is quite difficult to introduce him into a
team that is already in the rhythm of playing
games, but he's someone that is going to help us."
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