Barcelona midfielder Xavi has made a welcome return to fitness ahead of a crucial run of games.
Influential playmaker returns to action
Barcelona midfielder Xavi has made a welcome return to fitness ahead of a crucial run of games.
The World Cup winner missed a trip to Real Mallorca over the weekend after suffering a calf strain.
Fears were immediately raised as to his possible participation over the coming weeks.
With Barca facing crucial clashes at home and abroad, they were wary of seeing such an influential figure ruled out for a prolonged period of time.
Those concerns have been eased, though, with the news that Xavi could figure against Valencia on Wednesday.
He has been named in Barca's 18-man squad and will come into contention for the top-of-the-table clash.
Arsenal
Xavi will then have one more outing, against Real Zaragoza, before Arsenal roll into Camp Nou on 8th March.
The Gunners are due in Catalunya for the second leg of a UEFA Champions League last-16 encounter which they currently lead 2-1.
Barca are desperate to be at full strength for that clash, so the return of Xavi has come as a timely boost.
They are, however, still sweating on the fitness of defender Carles Puyol and goalkeeper Victor Valdes, as both men are nursing knocks.
Coach Pep Guardiola is also struggling at the moment, with a back problem threatening to keep him away from a midweek contest at the Mestalla.
He missed training on Tuesday after seeing a the area flare up and he will be advised to rest before returning to regular duty.
