Sporting Lisbon 2 - 5 Barcelona

Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona: Preview

Updated: November 25, 2008, 2:50 PM UK

Barcelona could welcome back Lionel Messi as they chase a top-placed finish in Group C against Sporting Lisbon, although the Catalan club insist they are not reliant on the Argentina playmaker to win games.

The clash is between two sides who have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, and Barca, who are a point clear of Sporting, would guarantee themselves top spot with a victory at the Jose Alvalade stadium.

Barca have been boosted by the return of Messi, who has been named in an 18-man squad for the short trip across to Portugal having missed Sunday`s league match against Getafe due to a thigh problem.

Without the 21-year-old ace Barca could only draw 1-1 against Getafe at the Nou Camp, ending a run of nine successive league wins.

It is not the first time Barca have struggled without Messi, but club president Joan Laporta is adamant the team are not dependent on any one player.

"The team comes above the individuals and they have shown that this season,'' he said.

"It is not only about Leo and Andres Iniesta (who is also out injured), who are important and give a lot to the side, but the key thing is the team.''

Barca captain Carles Puyol, who along with Yaya Toure has been rested for the game by coach Pep Guardiola, said: "Messi makes a difference but Barca have a sufficient squad to win games.''

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes added: "When he (Messi) doesn't play the team undoubtedly notice it. But any of our players has the quality to contribute to the team and it`s best not to think if there exists any type of dependence on individuals.''

It remains to be seen if Messi starts against Sporting, especially with Barca having already qualified and facing tough league matches against Sevilla, Valencia, Real Madrid and Villarreal before Christmas.

However, securing top spot in Group C is a goal the Primera Liga leaders are keen to accomplish.

"It will be a direct battle for first place and we hope it will be us who gets it so we can have the better draw in the last 16,'' said Valdes.

While Barca are looking to move a step closer to reclaiming the trophy they won back in 2006, Sporting are about to venture into unknown territory after securing their place in the last 16 for the first time since the introduction of the Champions League.

Sporting, who have not conceded a goal in Europe since losing 3-1 to Barca at the Nou Camp, will be without former Barca midfielder Fabio Rochemback for the game as he is injured.

Abel, Tonel, Pedro Silva and Leandro Grimi could also be missing for Sporting coach Paulo Bento, whose side warmed up for the clash with a 1-0 league win at Naval - despite ending the match with only nine players.

That victory left Sporting in fourth place in the league standings on 16 points, six behind leaders Leixoes.