Influential Barcelona midfielder Xavi will not be available for Saturday’s clash at the Camp Nou with league leaders Valencia, as he continues to recuperate from problems with his Achilles tendon. 

Medical specialist Dr. Cugat, speaking with Antena 3, has revealed that the midfielder is still not quite yet back to match fitness: “…One side does not have any pain, but the other still has a little bit…it is still too early for him to play.”  It is expected, however, that Xavi will recover in time to face FC Copenhagen in next week’s Champions League match.  This would be an excellent boost in the midfield for what could turn out to be a pivotal match for control of the group.

Xavi, who has not featured for the Catalans since September, has been nursing long-term discomfort in his Achilles tendon, stemming from little rest over the last several seasons.  Grueling work throughout the La Liga campaign, Champions League, Copa Del Rey, and most recently a successful World Cup campaign with Spain, has seen the midfielder given very little rest as of late.  One can only hope that this rest so early in the season will give his body time to repair, and return in top-shape for what has turned into an exciting battle for La Liga.