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Team News: Dani Alves absent for Barcelona

Team News: Dani Alves absent for Barcelona
© PA Photos
Dani Alves is missing for Barcelona's Champions League encounter against Chelsea at the Nou Camp this evening.

Dani Alves has not been included in the Barcelona starting lineup for this evening's Champions League semi-final meeting with Chelsea at the Nou Camp.

Instead, coach Pep Guardiola has opted to start the match with a three-man defence consisting of the returning Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano.

Chelsea's interim manager Roberto Di Matteo has named an unchanged side from the one that defeated Barcelona 1-0 last week.

That means Didier Drogba has been passed fit to start despite suffering with a knee injury.

Barcelona: Valdes; Puyol, Mascherano, Pique; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Cuenca, Sanchez; Messi

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Meireles, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Mata; Drogba

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Liam Apicella
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