Barcelona quartet given early Christmas break by Luis Enrique

Barcelona have announced that Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and Gerard Pique will play no part in Wednesday evening's Copa del Rey clash with Hercules after being granted an early Christmas break.

The Catalan giants still have it all to play for in this week's second leg at Camp Nou, having been held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg following an under-par showing in Alicante.

Boss Luis Enrique is confident that Barca have more than enough firepower to get the job done, however, with the famed forward trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar, as well as key defender Pique, all being told to put up their feet for the next week.

"The front three have never played the first round of the cup and I believe it is necessary that they begin their vacations," Enrique told reporters. "The rest of the squad is available for selection on Wednesday, before enjoying seven or eight days off to be with their families."

Barcelona, back up to second in La Liga after Sunday's win over city rivals Espanyol, return to league action on January 8 when facing Villarreal at El Madrigal.