Enrique missing Messi for Foals clash
BARCELONA remain without star forward Lionel Messi for their Champions League game against Borussia Monchengladbach as Luis Enrique’s side look to continue their rich goalscoring form.
Barca thumped Celtic 7-0 in their Group C opener and have scored five goals in two of their three La Liga games since, although a groin injury has prevented Messi travelling to Germany.
The trip promises to be an emotional one for visiting goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The 24-year-old, who has become first choice following Claudio Bravo’s departure for Manchester City, grew up in Monchengladbach and made over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga side before leaving for the Nou Camp in 2014.
Ahead of tonight’s clash, Ter Stegen told Borussia Monchengladbach’s official website: “This draw is an extra special one for me, without a doubt.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back and I know that you’re looking forward to seeing Barca.
“My return to Gladbach has definitely come sooner than expected, and I absolutely cannot wait for it.
“Borussia is my first love and that will always be the case. But I also identify 100 per cent with Barca, and they’re the only club for me out on the pitch nowadays.”
Only Barcelona’s resounding win over Celtic kept Monchengladbach off the bottom of the group as they lost 4-0 to Manchester City in their first match.
However, a more promising start to their Bundesliga campaign has seen coach Andre Schubert handed a new two-year deal on the eve of the fixture.
However, Schubert expects a tough test against a side he described as “the best in the world”.
He said: “We know we are up against world-class players and the huge attention surrounding the game highlights the fact we are playing a very special team.”