Chelsea will more than likely come up against a fully-fit Lionel Messi on Wednesday evening after the Barcelona star withdrew from his side's game at Malaga this evening.
Having missed his side's Catalan Super Cup game against Espanyol in midweek, it was expected that the Argentina international would make his return in La Liga.
However, Barcelona confirmed via their Twitter account on Saturday morning that the forward would miss the game 'due to personal reasons'.
It is believed that the player is missing the game due to the fact that his wife, Antonela Roccizzo, is about to give birth to their third child.
While it's a blow for the Spanish league leaders, Barca still have the likes of Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho who can play in attack at La Rosaleda.
Despite his absence from today's squad, Messi is not expected to miss the second leg of the Champions League tie against Chelsea at the Nou Camp.
With the score at 1-1 courtesy of Messi's equaliser, it's all to play for with a place in the final eight of the competition up for grabs.
Given Andres Iniesta is a doubt for the game, Ernesto Valverde's side will certainly need their talisman if they are to progress.
Following the news that broke this morning, Barcelona fans have had plenty to say about Messi's absence.
While Chelsea fans will certainly be hoping he's once again missing in midweek, Barca supporters have warned the Blues that they will face Messi at full fitness.
Here's what they've had to say on Twitter.