Spanish trio left out for Barcelona

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has omitted Xavi, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets from the squad to face Cartagena in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday evening.

The Catalan outfit lead 4-1 from the first leg of the fourth-round clash and therefore Martino is expected to hand an opportunity to a number of their youngsters and fringe players.

Adriano has returned to the squad following a league suspension and could replace Jordi Alba at left-back, while Alex Song and Sergi Roberto are also expected to line up in midfield.

Barcelona currently sit top of La Liga, while they have been drawn against Manchester City in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.