Barcelona remain without Lionel Messi for Champions League clash at Gladbach

28 September 2016 12:02

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 LaLiga 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 Wednesday'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.

"I had a great time there, and spent my entire career there apart from the last two years.

"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.

"Obviously we're going to be doing our best to put in a good performance and take all three points away."

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.

The Foals could welcome back Brazilian striker Raffael as they look to extend an 11-match winning run at BORUSSIA-PARK.

However, Schubert expects a tough test against a side he described as "the best in the world".

"We know that we are up against world-class players and the huge attention surrounding the game highlights the fact that we are playing a very special team," he said.

"Nevertheless we are trying to prepare ourselves for this match as we would against any other team.

"We are looking forward to being pitted against the best team in the world. It is a huge challenge to take on an opponent like this.

"We will only succeed if we have a clear plan, confidence and a huge amount of courage. We will try to stay true to our style of play, to be full of energy, enjoy it and be ready to battle. Then we will see if we can cause some problems for Barcelona."

Source: PA-WIRE