3 players who must step up for Barcelona after Messi's injury

#1 Luis Suarez

Suarez would be the chief goal threat for Barcelona

The only player to have beaten Messi and Ronaldo to a European Golden Boot in the last eight years, Luis Suarez, has long established himself as the premier striker in world football, and he further enhanced his reputation since his 2014 transfer to Barcelona.

His goals have helped the Blaugrana to numerous title since be arrived, but he has often been criticized lately for not scoring enough goals in important matches particularly in the UEFA Champions League where he suffered a year-long goal drought.

Suarez is still an elite centre-forward, and while his work rate and tireless running are still evident, the Uruguayan is beginning to show a worrying inconsistency in front of goal.

Last season, the 31-year-old underwent a six-game goalless run in La Liga in November, as well as a five-game stretch in April, and that patchy form has continued into this season.

In Messi's absence, Suarez would be the chief goal threat for Barcelona, and he must carry the responsibility effectively if Barca is not to feel the impact of the mercurial Argentine's loss.