Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has admitted that there is "never a good time" to rest Lionel Messi as he and his charges approach the business end of the season.
The Liga leaders sit 10 points ahead of Atletico Madrid, with a crunch clash against Diego Simeone's men coming up at the weekend. Up first, though, is Villarreal.
The Yellow Submarine are struggling this season, sitting just one point outside the relegation zone. And while many may see the clash as an opportunity to rest key players, Valverde is taking no chances.