If Iniesta is out, who will be Barcelona's 'savior'?

Nearly 9 years ago, in the second leg of the 2008/2009 Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, Iniesta scored a precious goal against goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The goal in the 90+3 minute of "Saint Andres" sealed the score at 1 - 1 and at the same time helped the "Catalan giant" win the right to play in the final (the total score of the two matches was 1 - 1, Barcelona advanced thanks to the away goal).

Not the goals of Messi, Eto'o, Henry... but Iniesta's goal was the most important turning point that brought Barcelona to the Champions League championship in the 2008/2009 season.

In 2010, coach Pep Guardiola shared a very interesting thing about Iniesta: "Look at Neymar, not even 20 yet but the whole society says he is the best in Brazil. So Iniesta must be a saint at the age of 26."

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

Nearly 3 weeks ago, once again, football fans had to mention Iniesta's name. Also at Stamford Bridge, also against Chelsea, but this time it was the first leg of the Champions League knockout round and Iniesta was not the one to score.

In the 75th minute, taking advantage of defender Christensen's careless cross pass right in Chelsea's penalty area, "Saint Andres" stole the ball as fast as lightning, eliminating Azpilicueta's pursuit, then passed it like a set piece to Messi to finish, sending the ball into the net of goalkeeper Courtois.

Although the person who appeared on the scoreboard was Messi, the biggest contributor in the equalizer 1-1 for Barcelona was Iniesta.

Iniesta's steal and assist for Messi not only gave the Catalan giants a huge 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 20. Photo: Internet

Therefore, when the Camp Nou team announced that Iniesta could not participate in the second leg match against Chelsea on March 15, many Cules felt extremely worried.

Without the player wearing the number 8 shirt on the field, Barcelona lost both a conductor and a spearhead on the attacking front. Especially losing a player who could change the game with a brilliant ball handling, when the home 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 cannot play in the upcoming match against Chelsea still makes coach Valverde and the Cules feel quite uneasy. Fans are waiting to see who will be the "savior" of Barcelona when "Saint Andres" is absent?

What has been mentioned above is based on the possibility that Iniesta will not be able to play. Who knows, the information about Iniesta having to rest for about 4 weeks, is just a smokescreen by the Catalan team.

We will have to wait until coach Valverde announces the list of players to know the truth./.