'Messi needs a break' insists Koeman after resting star for trip to Kyiv

Barcelona finalised their preparations ahead of their flight to the Ukraine to face Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League.

But there will be one noteable absence in Kyiv with captain Lionel Messi left out of the squad.

Ronald Koeman's men will be hoping for a return to winning ways following their 1-0 defeat to Atletico in La Liga that left them 12 points adrift of the leaders Real Sociedad.

Despite their wayward start to the domestic season, the Catalan club have won the first three matches in Group G with victories also coming away to Juventus and at home to Ferencvaros.