The Argentinian astro is expected to be back in four weeks. Both players grew up together in the Barcelona academy.

Sergio Busquets does not deny the fact that Barcelona is no the same without Lionel Messi on the field. The 27-year-old midfielder is conscious of the difference that it makes to have Messi playing and how things work without him, but in the end they must get the job done with whoever is available. 

"We're missing Messi because he's our most influential player and the best footballer in the world," Busquets said. "We'll all have to do a little bit more so that his absence is felt as little as possible, but missing him is inevitable".

The Spanish international really feels Messi's absence

The team will have to continue working without the Argentinian star for around four more weeks. The team expects Messi to be back by the time that El Clasico rolls around. The date for that crucial match has recently been confirmed. Saturday, November 21 at 5:15pm GMT was what appeared in a statement from the LFP. 

Right now, Barcelona prepares to visit BATE in the Champions League. On paper, the Catalan side is widely superior, Busquets is sure that his team will treat this game with the seriousness it deserves. They know that the opposing side will try to defend its home and play their best game against Barcelona.

"They aren't amongst the teams which are initially expected to qualify, but they can still complicate things for us."

With back to back games against Bate, this is Barcelona's plan

Busquets added that each player on his team must do their part to continue in the lead of their Champions League group and aim to reach the top spot in La Liga game after game. He recognized that for now, most of the weight of this team is on Neymar, but he is confident that the Brazilian star can rise to the occasion. 

"His attributes, the way he plays the game and what he brings to the team make him one of our leaders out on the pitch, even more so with Leo out injured," Busquets claimed.