MADRID, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Leo Messi will lead the FC Barcelona attack when his side takes on AS Roma in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.
The Argentinean only played 30 minutes in Barca's 2-2 draw away to Sevilla on Saturday due to a groin injury, but showed how important he is as he led their fight back from 2-0 down, lifting their confidence the moment he stepped onto the pitch and scoring a magnificent last minute equalizer to maintain Barca's unbeaten record this season.
Messi rested on Sunday and was able to train without problems on Monday and coach Ernesto Valverde will include him in the side alongside Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, despite Dembele's poor performance in the match vs. Seville.
The rest of the Barca side virtually picks itself, with the only doubt being whether Sergio Busquets has recovered from the broken metatarsal bone in his foot. Everything points to Sergi Busquets being available and he will add stability to the Barca midfield, where he will be partnered with Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic.
Meanwhile Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti will play in defense and Ter Stegen in goal.
Umtiti has been the subject of speculation in the press as the 60 million euro buyout clause he agreed on his arrival at the Camp Nou in 2016 is now starting to look very tempting to other sides given his excellent performances at Barca and the way transfer fees have ballooned over the past two years.
The French international is now awaiting news over new contract talks with Barcelona, who according to the press have already got into contact with his agent to discuss terms of a new deal.
Roma are sweating on the fitness of Radja Nainggolan and Lorenzo Pellegrini ahead of the game. Nainggolan was subbed at the weekend against Bologna with a muscle injury, but trained on Monday.
However, Cengiz Under will miss the game after coming from international duty with an injury.
