Celta Vigo v Barcelona preview: Andres Iniesta set for 600th Barca appearance
Monday 3 October 2016 08:06, UK
Andres Iniesta is in line to make his 600th appearance for Barcelona as they travel to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 5.
He is second only to Xavi in terms of games played for the Catalan club - with his former team-mate making 767 appearances - and along with Lionel Messi, he is Barca's most decorated player with 29 trophies.
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Manager Luis Enrique was full of praise for the legendary midfielder, who he also played alongside during his time at the club.
"I had the luck to play with him and now to coach him," he said.
"To evaluate these 599, possible 600 games tomorrow, is something that can only make everyone proud and not just for his performances.
"We can only enjoy him. Not just for what he has achieved, but how he has achieved it. For the values he has shown and what he represents to world football."
While Iniesta could feature, Messi and Samuel Umtiti remain sidelined for the trip, although Barcelona have not seemed to have missed them, winning both of their games in the last week.
Enrique took charge of Celta for a season before returning to Catalonia in 2014, but endured an unhappy return last year as Celta inflicted his heaviest defeat as Barca boss, a 4-1 thrashing.
"Celta are a dangerous team for the players and idea they have of how to play," the manager added.
"They demand the most of you with and without the ball and make the games great to watch for the fans, but as complicated as possible for the players."
Celta have been in good form in recent weeks after a so-so start to the season, winning their last three games in all competitions and manager Eduadro Berizzo is hoping for another strong game this weekend.
"We want to get into the game, play the ball and have the courage to play the ball thinking of the rival goal. Our mission is to cut his [Enrqiue's] game circuit," he said.
The hosts also have injuries to contend with, seeing Carles Planas, Fabian Orellana and Claudio Beauvue all out with injuries.
