FC Barcelona squad named for Copa del Rey quarter-finals first leg against Athletic Bilbao - Barca Blaugranes
The three expected absentees due to injury (Jordi Alba, Jérémy Mathieu) and suspension (Luis Suárez) are not in the list, but the major news is the confirmed absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine will be rested for this Wednesday's match after the medical services advised the player and the coach not to risk any problems. Messi left the league game against Bilbao last Sunday with muscle pain, and while he's not injured, it was best to keep him out of tonight's match in order to avoid issues.
FC Barcelona News: 20 January 2016; Lionel Messi Not in 18-Man Squad for Copa del Rey Match
