Barcelona may be without Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano for their trip to Athletic Bilbao after both players sat out training on Friday.

The La Liga leaders head to San Mames on Saturday evening for one of their trickiest tests of the campaign to date, aiming to maintain their near-perfect start.

Boss Ernesto Valverde may be without two of his key players against his former side, though, as skipper Iniesta has a thigh problem and versatile midfielder Mascherano is suffering from illness.

Thomas Vermaelen also sat out the final training session due to a hip injury, while young goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta was given a chance to impress when promoted from the Barcelona B side.

Barca face Bilbao, Olympiacos and Sevilla in their next three games before the two-week international break.