Cesc Fabregas believes he will fill the void left by the burned Lionel Messi within the city XI previous their Champions League clash with Celtic on weekday.
The Argentina international, WHO has scored sixty two goals in eighty appearances within the elite European competition, suffered a thigh injury in Saturday's 2-0 convert Almeria and is anticipated to pay up to 3 weeks on the sidelines.
In Messi's absence, coach Gerardo Martino must discern a replacement and Fabregas is keen to require on the role of lead forward.
"Messi is that the best player within the world, he makes a distinction, however he will not play [against Celtic]. we will not do something that," the previous Arsenal midfielder told reporters on Monday.
"Without Messi, we'll all ought to take a lot of responsibility. we've to maximize, do not feel his absence and play soccer while not him.
"I may need a lot of offensive responsibilities. i will be able to attempt to facilitate the team as a striker or no matter alternative position I play.
"Now I feel assured, in fine condition and therefore the coach trusts ME. i'm during a smart moment. perhaps i want to be a lot of consistent."
The Catalans suffered a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park at this stage within the competition last season and, whereas Fabregas is conscious of the difficulties they'll face on weekday, he feels the team has learned from their mistakes.
"We’ve learned our lesson from last year," the 26-year-old continuing. "They had 2 possibilities and scored 2 goals. It may be a awfully similar game to last year, particularly because it was eminent for them.
"We aren't upset concerning last year, we tend to contend an honest game however should not offer the ball away, maximise our possibilities and score goals.
"If you follow the Champions League you recognize returning to Celtic Park can perpetually be a troublesome game.
"I contend here with Arsenal further and it's tough. The Celtic fans square measure perpetually behind their team. They take a corner and it sounds like a goal."
Neymar remains an alternative choice to switch the burned Lionel Messi, and Fabregas admits the young Brazilian would be over up to the task.
"He’s got such a lot talent and he’s like lightning in tight areas," he added. "He’s a star, however within the future he’s about to be even larger.
"He’s got the planet at his feet and we’ll see however he develops. It’s a troublesome game to face the challenge of exchange Messi, however if anyone is prepared to try and do it then it’s Neymar.
"Pressure doesn’t have an effect on him. i believe he’s prepared mentally. we actually would like the wide players."
