Photo: Sky Sports

Barcelona have ensured their superstar Lionel Messi is well rested ahead of Chelsea’s visit to the Camp Nou for the second leg of the Champions League second round tie.

The 30-year-old played no part in Barca’s win over Espanyol in the Supercopa de Catalunya last week and also missed Barcelona’s clash with Malaga on Saturday.

The Argentine was excused from Saturday’s game due to personal reasons. Messi’s absence was due to the fact that his wife Antonela Roccuzzo was about to give birth to their third son, Ciro.

Messi did not travel with Barca’s squad to Malaga and was replaced by Yerry Mina, with Philippe Coutinho starting in his stead. Despite his absence, Barca won away at Malaga 2-0 and Messi is not expected to miss Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Chelsea on Wednesday.

Messi will have nine days rest having not played in the Blaugrana’s last two games.