Neymar and Luis Enrique Admit Barcelona Miss Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi's continued absence from the Barcelona side remains a concern for Barcelona star Neymar and manager Luis Enrique, despite the Blaugrana's current good form.  

Messi has been sidelined because of a knee injury since Barca's Sept. 26 victory over Las Palmas, and he is not expected back until after Nov. 21's Clasico against Real Madrid, per Javier Miguel of Sport.

Neymar has taken up the mantle in the Argentinian's absence with some splendid performances, and Barca are currently tied on points with La Liga leaders Real.

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However, while the Brazilian star is happy with his current form, he admitted the Camp Nou outfit are missing Messi following Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League victory over BATE Borisov on Wednesday, per Sport: "It's clear that we miss Messi, he's the best in the world. But I'm in a good moment. I hope that it continues like this."

Neymar is indeed in good form, as is striker Luis Suarez, and the pair's return since Messi picked up his injury has been impressive, per Spanish football expert Dermot Corrigan:

The Catalan giants have lost only once in Messi's absence, but their lack of depth is a major concern in attack.

With Rafinha also out due to long-term injury, and Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan unavailable until January, Barca are very short on cover across the front line.

Neymar and Suarez have been papering over the cracks, but if one of them were to pick up an injury, Enrique would be in trouble.

Any team would miss arguably the best player in the world, and Barcelona are no different.

However, Enrique is glad his side have proven they can cope without the four-time Ballon d'Or winner, at least in the short term, per FourFourTwo: "We obviously miss Messi a great deal, but I have always said the team had resources. There is no mention of Messidependencia [dependence on Messi] because the team is winning and playing well."

It is a big blow, though, that he has now been ruled out of the Clasico at the Bernabeu later this month as the result in that match could prove vital in the La Liga title race come the end of the season.