Barcelona could have a secret advantage when they face Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday after it was revealed they have been DNA testing their players including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Sportsmail understands Barca are pioneering DNA use in football, with the club’s players having undergone tests to determine who is more likely to suffer injuries and get hurt.

Barcelona doctor Ricard Pruna is overseeing the ground breaking approach to player welfare at the club.

(From L-R)Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have been undergoing DNA testing at Barcelona

Pruna has been taking saliva through swabs in the players’ mouths and studying 45 different genes. The DNA in the saliva allows the club to work out muscle problems and to put together fitness programmes tailored for each player.

As a result, the club can tell if a player has greater muscle injury prevalence or a normal prevalence.

Swedish doctor Matilda Lundblad is working on a research project with Pruna. She said: ‘It is very sci-fi. Doctor Ricard and I are looking at the genes in saliva and finding ways to individualise fitness programmes.’

Luis Suarez (left) celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Las Palmas with team-mate Neymar

The testing appears to be paying dividends. Despite playing 42 games already this season — four more than Arsenal — including the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, Barca have only Brazilian defender Rafinha out injured.

Arsenal are expected to have at least four players missing including Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky.

A number of English clubs have considered DNA use. Stoke City’s former England defender Glen Johnson had his DNA tested while at Liverpool, as did Costa Rican striker Bryan Ruiz while playing for Fulham. Arsenal refused to comment.