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Barca face Leverkusen without Messi

Madrid - Barcelona are going to be tested without Lionel Messi as they prepare to face group leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

The defending champions face Bayer Leverkusen, the Group E leader, in the second round of group stage matches on Tuesday.

After a 1-1 draw with Roma, a setback at home could leave the Spanish club in an uncomfortable position early on in the group and be a worrisome sign about the future without its biggest star.

Messi will be sidelined for nearly two months after tearing a ligament in his left knee in a Spanish league match on Saturday.

"I'm sad anytime a player gets injured, and if it is Messi even more so, considering the weight he has on the team," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said.

"Whenever there is an injury, the important thing is the team. We are a team and will pull through this together."

AS Roma plays BATE Borisov in the other game in Group E.

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