MADRID, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona are without several players for their trip to play PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Striker Luis Suarez was added to the Barcelona injury list on Monday with the news that he will miss the next two weeks as he undergoes treatment on a knee problem.
Midfielder Arthur is also out with a slight muscle issue, while goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen misses the trip to his homeland with an injury he picked up in training.
Other absentees are Rafinha, who will miss the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate knee ligament at the weekend, Sergi Roberto, Thomas Vermaelen and Sergi Samper. The good news for Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is that Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic, who both missed out on Saturday, will be available for the match.
Barcelona are already assured of their place in the last 16, but not of finishing as group leaders, which would ensure them a home game in the return leg of the knockout phase.
It will be interesting to see how strong a side Valverde fields ahead of a key league game at home to Villarreal at the weekend. Saturday's hero, Ousmane Dembele could start instead of Suarez, while winger Malcom could also be given another opportunity to impress.
Atletico Madrid should assure their qualification on Wednesday with a home game against AS Monaco. The French side, now coached by Thierry Henry, is having a dreadful season. Monaco are second from bottom in Ligue 1 and have no chance of making the last 16, although they have the option of qualifying for the Europa League.
The main attraction of the game will be to see former Atletico striker and hero Radamel Falcao return to face his former club and the Colombian will be Monaco's main attacking threat. Atletico striker Diego Costa is a major worry after injuring his foot while scoring against Barcelona and the Spanish press report that he may need an operation.
Jose Gimenez is also out and coach Diego Simeone will almost certainly rotate his squad after their weekend efforts.
