Ernesto Valverde has decided to rest Lionel Messi for Barcelona’s away clash against Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday evening.

The Argentine was named on the bench for the fixture while January signing Philippe Coutinho started and Andres Iniesta was also named in the first eleven.

With the Catalans playing their 10th match in 32 days, Valverde has taken the opportunity to rest Messi with the side enjoying an 11-point lead over second place Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona will face Valencia away in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg on Thursday night having won the first leg 1-0 at the Nou Camp.