FC Barcelona prepared for the derby against Espanyol, the 35th game of the La Liga season, without their captain Andres Iniesta on Friday.

The midfielder missed the session with groin trouble and it's practically impossible he will be ready to take part in Saturday's game at Cornella-El Prat.

It's a game in which Barça are once again obliged to win as they continue to tussle with Real Madrid for the league title.

The absence of Iniesta is a blow for Luis Enrique, who will not be able to repeat the side (with Neymar coming back in for Paco Alcacer) which won at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Iniesta had already been reserved with Espanyol in mind against Osasuna, where he was an unused substitute on Wednesday.

With Rafinha also injured, the options to replace Iniesta are Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes, both of whom played well against Osasuna.

However, Gomes' physical strength makes him the favourite -- plus he scored twice in the 7-1 win and it's hoped his Barça career can kick on from there.