Barcelona's friendly against Juventus is CANCELLED just hours before kick-off as LaLiga champions are forced to withdraw after a virus hits 'significant part' of their squad

Barcelona's pre-season match has been called off hours before kick-off due to a virus hitting the Spanish champions' squad.

The European giants were set to meet at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, kicking off at 3:30am GMT,  but Barca were forced to withdraw.

A club statement said: 'Barcelona hereby informs that the game against Juventus, scheduled for today, July 22 at 7:30pm at Levi's Stadium, as part of the Soccer Champions Tour, has been cancelled. A significant part of the Blaugrana squad has viral gastroenteritis.'

In lieu of the match, Juventus have promised to hold a training session at the ground, starting an hour before kick-off would have taken place.

The Soccer Champions Tour is a showpiece summer event involving six leading teams.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid and AC Milan will battle it out until early August across several venues in America as part of the competition.