Xavi says losing Lionel Messi matters more to Barcelona than the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Messi is out of the derby against Espanyol due to an ankle injury, while Ronaldo has only just returned to playing for Real after recovering from a similar injury.

Xavi explained: "For me, the loss of Messi means more for Barcelona than Madrid with no Cristiano.

"Messi is the best player in world, no-one compares to him. He won the Ballon d'Or by a record margin."