Lionel Messi concerned by Barcelona's defensive woes ahead of Tottenham clash with Sergi Roberto ruled out

'No anxiety': But Messi admits concerns over Barca defence
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Tony Mogan1 October 2018

Lionel Messi admits his Barcelona side must improve defensively ahead of their Champions League tie with Tottenham.

The La Liga champions have dropped seven points in their last three league matches, needing a late equaliser to rescue a draw against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Ernesto Valverde left Messi on the bench with hope of resting him ahead of the trip to north London but introduced his number 10 from the bench in the second-half.

Messi provided the assist for Munir El Haddadi’s 84th minute equaliser but another draw swerved to highlight his side’s defensive frailties, having conceded five in their last three matches.

In Pictures | Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao | 29/09/2018

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“There is no anxiety. This is just the beginning of the season,” Messi said.

“We only feel anger for the last two results. We did a good first half in Leganes and we lost. We create situations to win.

“We are aware that we have to be stronger in defence and not concede goals in all matches.”

Sergi Roberto meanwhile was forced off in Saturday’s draw at the Camp Nou with Barcelona confirming the 26-year-old will miss the Tottenham game due to a muscular injury.

His absence is likely to see Nelson Semedo start at right-back. Barcelona will also be without the suspended Samuel Umtiti after the Frenchman was sent off in the opening group match against PSV Eindhoven.

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