The depleted Catalans will again be without Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, but can count on an on-fire Neymar after he smashed four past Rayo Vallecano in a 5-2 win on Saturday.
Barca coach Luis Enrique described the Brazilian star as “unstoppable” as he has taken on the responsibility of leading the European champions in Messi’s absence.
“Neymar is a leader for his characteristics and what he offers us,”
said Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets on Monday.
“You notice when he is in good form and we hope he continues like this while Messi can’t be with us.”
Messi scored twice when the sides last met in Belarus four years ago as Barca cruised to a 5-0 win.
However, the impact of injuries to the Argentine, Iniesta and Rafinha, allied to a one-year ban on registering new players, has left Barca with a very stretched squad for a run of six games in 19 days.
“When it comes to changing a game we miss Messi. He is the one that scores most goals and gives most assists,” added Busquets.
“The system is the same and between us we all have to give that extra little bit of effort, but it is impossible to not suffer from Messi’s absence.”
A come-from-behind 2-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen in their last European outing did at least put Barca back on course for the last 16 after opening their Group E campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Roma.
Luis Enrique’s men will be expected to pick up six points from their two clashes with BATE in the next fortnight with the safety net of knowing Messi will be fit for their final two group games at home to Roma and away to Leverkusen.
BATE go into the game against the Spanish giants full of confidence after sealing a 10th consecutive league title on Friday with 2-0 win over Vitebsk.
The Belarusians are also well in the fight to qualify for the last 16 for the first time in their fifth year in the group stage.
A 3-2 win over Roma last time out means Aleksandr Yermakovich’s side are level with Leverkusen in second place in Group E, just a point behind Barca.
“The game against Barcelona will be a party for us,” said Yermakovich.
“We don’t have fear, but respect for our opponent. We would have preferred that Messi played. It would have been fun to see such a legend on the field.”
One familiar face for Barcelona won’t feature, though, as Alexander Hleb, who was part of the Barca squad that won the competition in 2008/09, misses out due to a hip injury.
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