Pique makes bold claims ahead of El-Clasico without Messi

Barcelona will entertain Real Madrid in their next La Liga match with the prospect of missing the services of Lionel Messi but Gerard Pique is not perturbed about the absence of the Argentine forward.

The defender claimed that the Camp Not outfit has enough strength in depth to handle Real Madrid despite the absence of Messi who got injured in the 4-2 win over Sevilla on Saturday at Camp Nou.

The medical report revealed that Messi would be out for three weeks and will miss the atlas three games 3-5 games in the process.

Messi has been sensational for Barcelona this season he has scored 12 goals and six assists in just 12 games across all competitions.

Pique will be the stand-in captain of the team in the absence of the Argentine forward and he is confident that Barcelona can grab the three points with Messi.

He admitted: “Psychologically we know that when he is there we are stronger but we cannot allow his absence to affect us.

"It makes a big difference to have or not to have him but we have enough cover so as not to worry about whether he is there or not.”

Los Blancos is yet to win in their last five games and coach Julen Lopetegui is under huge pressure ahead of the El-Clasico.

Yet Pique insists that Los Blancos’ recent performances will not matter when the two teams meet this weekend.

"It doesn't matter the form of the teams beforehand as in the past we can see that anything can happen," he said.

And team-mate Ivan Rakitic also believes form will be irrelevant as he hoped that Barca can avoid any hiccups while Messi is injured.

“We will try to make sure Leo's absence is noticed as little as possible,” the Croatian said.

"Now we look forward to the Clasico, which will be different, it isn't about confidence or crisis in that game.”

This would be the first El-Clasico that would be without Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi for the past 10 years.