Tonight Barcelona are going to play against Celtic in the Champions League and they will be without several key players at the backline since injuries have marred their defenders.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Pique, will also not feature as he has failed to recover from the foot injury he sustained against Spartak Moscow last month in the Champions League.
Holding midfielder and destroyer, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Busquets-c33048, will also miss tonight’s encounter with Celtic because of suspension.
This injury crisis for the club means coach Tito Vilanova have to opt for a makeshift backline.
Surely Barcelona are feeling the heat. Last match in La Liga, the Catalans escaped with a narrow 5-4 victory over Deportivo La Coruna. That particular fixture has shown the frailties of Barca’s backline as they conceded four goals.
Regardless, Blaugrana coach, Tito Vilanova, insists his team will not use the missing players as an excuse.
"The missing players aren't an excuse for everything."
He added that his players are capable of filling the vacuum left by the injured players and that every player is capable of representing La Blaugrana.
"At the end of the day, all the players are Barca players and capable of playing to the highest standard."
The 44-year-old coach was also asked about the rising number of goals his team is conceding at the moment. He admits that it is a cause for concern but at the same time his side is scoring more goals than they concede and that compensates for everything.
"The number of goals conceded has risen. But we are also the team who has scored the most (24) and sometimes this compensates,” he explained.
Finally, Vilanova has reiterated the importance of home games. He also warned his team not to take the Scottish champions, Celtic, lightly.
"When the draw was made, many people did not think Celtic would qualify for the next round, but they have a chance."
"Home games are very important and if we can win this one we'll take a huge step forward (towards qualifying)."
The Blaugrana are currently unbeaten in La Liga as they managed to win seven out of their eight opening fixtures.
They have also managed to win two out of two in their Champions League group games.
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