3 Formations Barcelona can use in Messi's absence for El Clasico and Champions League

4-2-3-1

Coutinho could be a key figure with Messi sidelined

What Messi brings above all else is creativity. The Argentine can see things others do not and, as a result of his unavailability, Valverde may opt for a quartet of attacking-orientated players to compensate.

Once again this system sees Coutinho, occupying the number ten position, take up the role most similar to the club's all-time top goalscorer.

The Brazilian will be allowed space through the middle courtesy of widemen Dembélé and Malcom, who can stretch the opposing back line with their blistering pace and movement down the channels.

Consequently, Suarez could become more of a target-man like figure, feeding off crosses, while Coutinho will collect the ball around the edge of the box as opposed to deeper in midfield where he typically does in a 4-3-3 incorporating Messi.

An issue with this system could be that, with so many players focused in the final third, Ivan Rakitić will have less freedom with the ball at his feet and the Croatian would have to carry out a more defensive role in the holding midfield position alongside Sergio Busquets.