Sevilla defenders wiped out with ‘salmonella poisoning’ after team BBQ

It’s claimed a team barbecue has caused a wave of salmonella poisoning ahead of Tuesday’s showdown, with central defenders Adil Rami and Timothee Kolodziejczak among those unable to train due to illness.

Fellow centre backs Nicolas Pareja and Daniel Carrico had already been ruled out of the contest through injury.

Full-back Coke has already volunteered to deputise in defence despite the ominous task of handling Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Neymar has been ruled out after contracting mumps.

"If I have to play at centre back then I will to help the team because there is a trophy at stake," the Spaniard said.

Despite his side's defensive frailties, Emery, is adamant his side can still spring a surprise in Tbilisi, Georgia.

"We want to see the sparkle in our players' eyes and we've seen that against Barcelona in the past," Emery told UEFA’s official website.

"Barça are going to be better than us in stats, possession etc. So we need to accept that and respond by countering very quickly against them. We have to grasp the opportunities when we have a degree of control.

"The injuries will have an impact but overall you will see what Barcelona can do and you will see what Sevilla can do. We may not be 100% but we'll be close."