Further injury blow for Barca

Barcelona have been dealt another blow with the news that Xavi is set to be sidelined for a fortnight

The influential midfielder was forced off towards the end of Barca's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Tests have since revealed that the Spain international has suffered a thigh injury and is likely to be out of action for up to 15 days.

"I noticed a problem during the match and after speaking to the doctor I decided to go off to avoid making the problem worse," said Xavi.

"We are experiencing a difficult time with injuries at present but the squad has the character and quality to cope."

Options

Xavi's absence will be keenly felt by Barca, though, as they have seen their options in the middle of the park take a battering.

Seydou Keita also limped out of the Atletico defeat at Vicente Calderon, while Yaya Toure missed the game through injury.

Sergio Busquets picked up a yellow card in the shock weekend setback, Barca's first league defeat of the season, and he must now serve a suspension.

All of this means Pep Guardiola is set to be missing key men heading into a crucial stage of the season.

Barca are due to face Racing Santander, Malaga and Almeria in the Primera Liga over the next three weeks, while also taking on German outfit Stuttgart in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.