Barcelona boss Luis Enrique acknowledged the void that "the best player in the world" has left but he is confident his squad can deal without him.
They travel to Sporting Gijon on Saturday evening with Lionel Messi missing after he sustained a groin injury during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. The forward is expected to be out of action for around three weeks.
But Barca, who lie third and are three points behind Real Madrid in the LaLiga table, will have to rely on Luis Suarez and Neymar to produce the goods alongside new signing Paco Alcacer in Messi's absence.
Speaking at Friday's press conference, Enrique said: "Last year Messi was out for two and a half months and the team responded fantastically because we have a great squad in depth.
"Of course we are stronger with Messi, he's the best player in the world, but we have resources here."
"We all want the best for Messi. When the best player in the world gets injured it hurts everyone, not just Barca"
On Spain striker Alcacer, he added: "He's got nothing to prove. We know he's a great player, he's an international. He's going to get game time.
"We are all aware that to win titles we need a squad and it's important to deal with injuries to key players."
Enrique, who is also without Sergio Busquets after the midfielder picked up a knock against Atletico, insists he is not taking the hosts lightly.
He said: "Sporting Gijon are a very intense team. They are very good at the transition, working as a unit for 90 minutes, defend well in their half.
"I know it will be a tough game, especially at the El Molinon where the Sporting fans always get behind them, they make the game difficult and don't leave much space. They will force us to play at our best in order to win."
Meanwhile Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta believes the midweek draw can be the motivation to kick-start their domestic campaign.
"I think we are getting better and better," he said at a launch of his new book: "The Artist: Being Iniesta".
"On Wednesday, two points slipped through our hands and we don't want that to happen again or as little as possible.
"We don't want to drop because we will miss them or not. Dropping points is what hurts us and it should be motivation so it doesn't happen again."
Sporting loanee Douglas is relishing the opportunity to face his parent club and is winning the race to be fit from a bizarre injury.
The full-back reportedly picked up a buttock injury whilst sleeping awkwardly on the team bus after Wednesday evening's 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo and had to miss training the following day.
However, the Brazilian, who has only played one match for Gijon this season, told the club's official website: "I'm physically well and available for selection.
"But the coach is the one that decides who plays and who makes the squad. I want to help the team.
"This is a special week, it's always special to play against Barcelona. We know of the difficulties that oppose us."
Source: PA-WIRE
