Team News: Messi only on bench for Barcelona

Lionel Messi has only been named on the bench for Barcelona for the La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid.

The Argentina captain will only feature as a substitute after missing training on Friday following the birth of his second son.

Rafinha instead comes into the frontline of Luis Enrique's side alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar in one of only two changes to the team which beat Malaga 1-0 in Barca's last game.

The other alteration is in goal where Marc-Andre ter Stegen replaces the injured Claudio Bravo, while Sergi Roberto has overcome a knock to keep his place at right-back.

Gerard Pique continues to serve a suspension, so Thomas Vermaelen continues in the centre of defence alongside Javier Mascherano after scoring the winner a fortnight ago.

For the hosts, Felipe Luis comes back in at left-back after recovering from injury, while Tiago is fit enough to keep his place in midfield.

Fernando Torres once again partners Antoine Griezmann in attack.

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Giminez, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Koke, Oliver; Griezmann, Torres Subs: Moya, Savic, Gamez, Saul, Carrasco, Vietto, Martinez

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Vermaelen, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Rafinha Subs: Masip, Bartra, Mathieu, Adriano, Munir, Messi, Sandro

Follow Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the La Liga clash here.