Luis Suarez: 'Lionel Messi still number one'

Luis Suarez has insisted that Lionel Messi is still Barcelona's most important player despite his own form alongside Neymar in the Argentine's absence.

Barcelona have been without Messi since the end of September after the attacker picked up a serious knee injury.

In his absence, both Suarez and Neymar have thrived in the final third, with their goals taking the team to the top of the La Liga table.

Messi is expected to return to the squad for El Clasico on Saturday, however, and Suarez has paid tribute to his teammate.

"Neither Neymar nor I think we're better. We just score goals, knowing that Leo's the best," Suarez told reporters.

Suarez has scored 13 times in 17 appearances for the Spanish giants this season, while Neymar has netted 13 in 14 matches.