Valverde: I imagine Messi's injury scare isn't too bad LaLiga Santander - Barcelona vs Valencia Lots for the coach to reflect on after the draw

Ernesto Valverde is hopeful of having Lionel Messi available for the midweek Clasico against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

The coach doesn't think the knock to the forward's right thigh will turn out to be too serious, although he insisted that he'll wait to see what the doctors say.

"Between tomorrow and the day afterwards we'll need to see exactly how he is and what he has," Valverde said of the player's situation in his post-match press conference after the 2-2 draw with Valencia.

"I don't exactly what it is.

"It could be a small discomfort.

"We'll wait to see what the doctors say, then evaluate things based on that.

"I imagine that he can't be too bad, but I'm not able to reveal anything."

Valverde went on to speak about the club's priorities, with some wondering if they'll be distracted by the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

"Yes, we're motivated by LaLiga Santander, we're determined to win it again," he stated.

"Everybody can produce their own analysis, but I think today we started with the intention of playing well and winning.

"We are obsessed with trying to win every single match we compete in, especially in the league because it gives us consistency."

Jordi Alba was left on the bench, with Sergi Roberto favoured in the left-back position on Saturday evening, however the former Athletic Club coach was forced to introduce the former Valencia defender with Sergi Roberto visibly struggling in an unfamiliar position.

However, this decision wasn't to come without consequences as the left-back picked up a yellow card that ensured he will be suspended for the next league match, and Barcelona have been proven to struggle without him.

"We have several options, although given the fantastic form Jordi Alba is in it's going to be difficult to replace him," he admitted.

"He had four yellows and I thought this was a match that he could be rested, but he has come on and collected the fifth."

Carles Alena has burst onto the first-team scene in Catalonia since the turn of the year, and Valverde remains impressed with how quickly the Spanish midfielder is adjusting to playing alongside his more experienced teammates, even though he withdrew him in the second half.

"I see him developing very well indeed," he said of Alena.

"He's participating more and more each day and he's a footballer with great qualities.

"Just as the game was progressing, I felt as though Arthur would help us in midfield."