Barca need to overcome Pique loss ahead of Valencia trip

FC Barcelona will need to overcome the loss of central defender Gerard Pique on Saturday when they make the difficult trip to play Valencia in the Mestalla Stadium.

Pique twisted his ankle badly after being fouled by David Silva during Barca's 4-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday, and tests on Thursday showed he will be out of action for around three weeks.

The 29-year-old has been Barca's best defender this campaign, and his loss is a problem for a defense which has looked unsteady at times this season.

Jordi Alba will also miss the trip to face his former club with a recurrence of the hamstring problem which he picked up during the last international break.

Lucas Digne will replace Alba, but there is also some good news: the return of Sergi Roberto will allow Javier Mascherano to move back into the center where he will probably partner Samuel Untiti, who returned with an assured display in midweek.

With league leaders Atletico Madrid travelling to third place Sevilla, the Valencia game gives Barca the chance to climb up the table. The trident of Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez will as usual be their main threat, while Paco Alcacer will wait for his turn from the bench as he returns to face the club he left this summer.

Barca will need to be wary of a Valencia side which looked much improved when they won 2-1 away to Sporting Gijon last weekend.

That win was the coaching debut of former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, and the Italian looks to have upped the physical level of his squad since taking over and imposing more tactical discipline. This incorporates Mario Suarez and Enzo Perez providing cover for a pact attack which includes Nani, Rodrigo and possible Barcelona target Joao Cancelo, while Munir, who is on loan for Barcelona, is currently struggling for minutes. Endit