Andre Gomes has recently spoken out about the mental strain he has been under at Barcelona, but coach Ernesto Valverde has backed the player and indicated that the game against Chelsea might be a springboard for the Spaniard.

The 54-year-old tactician hailed the player's skills and ensured that he will do whatever it takes to boost his morale.

"I've talked to Andre Gomes a few times, as both the coach and his colleagues are here to help him," he told a press conference prior to Wednesday's Champions League game.

"It is an act of courage to acknowledge everything that he has acknowledged. "All the players and coaches have a little respect for not showing any insecurity and the fact that he did it is an act of bravery.

"It isn't something new and he will not be the only one that suffers from something like that. "There are situations that one must overcome by pushing himself forward.

"Andre Gomes has many qualities and let's see if it's going to be tomorrow when he shows them on the field."

Valverde went on to discuss the return leg against Chelsea.

"They are a team that can hurt you at any time ant they will change their plan according to the result," he added. "The first leg [result] benefits us, but it is difficult to maintain it. "I do not know what can happen tomorrow. "They might pose high pressure, as they did at some points in London.

"We do know that when they retreat they are a very strong team and they have individuals with quality. "There is no secret formula to bring down teams like that, nor will it be our plan to get on top of them because they are the team with the most counter attacks of the last round."

Andres Iniesta has been sidelined after picking up an injury against Atletico Madrid and the former Athletic Club tactician indicated that their decision on whether he will feature in the upcoming game or not will be taken after considering the risk of such a move.

"Yesterday he participated in a big part of the training without any problem, but let's see how he is today" he noted. "It is an important match, but it is also a game that [players need to be] 100 percent ready. "It is clear that when a game arrives that there is no going back, the player is prone to risk. "[At this point] we must see the magnitude of the risk."

The match will kick off tonight at 20:45 CET.

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