If Iniesta retires, who will be Barcelona's 'savior'?

Almost nine years ago, in the second leg of the 2008/2009 Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, Iniesta scored a priceless goal against goalkeeper Petr Cech.

"Saint Andres'" goal in the 90+3 minute sealed a 1-1 draw and simultaneously secured the Catalan giants' place in the final (the aggregate score over two legs was 1-1, with Barcelona advancing thanks to away goals).

It wasn't the goals of Messi, Eto'o, or Henry…but Iniesta's goal that was the most crucial turning point, leading Barcelona to the Champions League title in the 2008/2009 season.

In 2010, coach Pep Guardiola made a very interesting comment about Iniesta: "Look at Neymar, he's not even 20 yet and the whole society says he's the best in Brazil. So Iniesta must be a legend at the age of 26."

Iniesta (right) celebrates a goal against Chelsea in 2009. Photo: Internet

Almost three weeks ago, Iniesta's name was once again on the minds of football fans. Again at Stamford Bridge, again against Chelsea, but this time it was the first leg of the Champions League knockout round, and Iniesta wasn't the one to score.

In the 75th minute, taking advantage of a careless cross from defender Christensen inside the Chelsea penalty area, "Saint Andres" swiftly intercepted the ball, evading Azpilicueta's challenge, and delivered a perfect pass to Messi, who finished to beat goalkeeper Courtois.

Although Messi was the one whose name appeared on the scoreboard, Iniesta played the biggest role in Barcelona's equalizer, making the score 1-1.

Iniesta's interception and assist for Messi not only gave the Catalan giants a significant advantage after the first leg, but also helped Messi end his nine-match goal drought against Chelsea. And once again, Iniesta played the role of Barcelona's "savior".

Messi celebrates with Iniesta after scoring against Chelsea on February 20th. Photo: Internet

Therefore, when the Camp Nou team announced that Iniesta would be unable to participate in the second leg match against Chelsea on March 15th, many Cules felt extremely worried.

Without the number 8 player on the field, Barcelona lost both a playmaker and a key attacking threat. More importantly, they lost a player who could change the course of a match with a moment of brilliance, especially when their team was at a disadvantage.

Of course, coach Valverde still has many outstanding stars like Messi, Suarez, Busquets... to rely on. But the fact that Iniesta will be unavailable for the upcoming match against Chelsea still makes coach Valverde and the Cules feel quite uneasy. Fans are waiting to see who will be Barcelona's "savior" in the absence of "Saint Andres"?

What has been mentioned above is based on the possibility that Iniesta will be unable to play. Perhaps the information about Iniesta being sidelined for about four weeks due to injury is just a smokescreen from the Catalan team.

We'll only know the truth when coach Valverde announces the squad list./.