The treble winners were shown to be vulnerable after breaks for internationals last season, and with lingering doubts over the strength in depth of their squad this time round, a visit to giant-killing specialists Getafe is a tough assignment.
"Iniesta's return is very important for the team as he is a unique player of outstanding quality. He can decide a game on his own," Barca defender Maxwell told a news conference.
"It's difficult to work when there are so many players away and it is possible that Getafe have the advantage. But we aren't looking for excuses."
"It's a big game for us, it fills us with motivation, and we are going to give our all for it to be a great encounter," Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino said.
One match in and Atletico Madrid's board are already on the defensive ahead of Saturday's visit of Racing Santander.
Fans unhappy with the side's failure to make any significant moves in the transfer market, particularly after having achieved their place in Europe's elite competition, are planning protest demonstrations at the Calderon.
"Before they criticised us for signing too many players, now they say we don't sign enough. I don't understand it," president Enrique Cerezo told Spanish state radio.
