Andres Iniesta to miss Barcelona match against Athletic Bilbao due to thigh injury

Barcelona says playmaker Andres Iniesta will be out of action in Saturday's Spanish league match against Athletic Bilbao due to a thigh injury.  

Thomas Vermaelen also won't be available, as he is nursing a hip injury.

Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha, Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal had already been ruled out because of long-term injuries.

Jordi Alba had been listed as doubtful because of his fitness but he has been cleared to play.

The club says Javier Mascherano, who missed practice Friday because of a fever, is also expected to play.

Barcelona has a four-point lead over Valencia, which earlier Saturday plays at second-to-last-place Alaves, reports AP.