Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde confirmed in a press conference that he won't have Jordi Alba available for the game against Malaga this Saturday. The coach said he doesn't want to force the issue, even though it's not a serious issue, and would prefer to reserve the left-back.
Alba missed the midweek win against Olympiakos after picking up a thigh injury during training on Tuesday. According to Valverde, "he has an injury from the other day. We don't think it's too serious, but we won't force it. He didn't train yesterday and it's difficult to imagine him training today. Our idea is to be cautious."
Keeping in mind the Barça coach will take advantage of the Copa del Rey game against Murcia on Tuesday to rest the majority of regulars, eveything suggests Alba will now rest until the Athletic Club game next weekend. Barça travel to San Mames on Oct. 28 and three days later to Athens to face Olympiakos.