Xavi playing hurt
Barcelona midfielder Xavi has admitted that his ankle injury is still bothering him. The Spain international returned to the Catalans line-up in their Primera Liga match against Valencia on Saturday. Despite
setting up both goals in their 2-1 victory, the 30-year-old said his ankle is troubling him.
"I'm well but they still bother me. I hope I get over it soon. I started well (against Valencia) but as the minutes passed I could feel the strain on my tendons," he said.
"It's a battle I have but thanks to the doctors and physios who look after me I'm sure I'll get over it soon," added Xavi, who was substituted in the 77th minute.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola hinted that Xavi is doubtful for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Danish powerhouse Copenhagen.
"He isn't ready to play every three days," he said.
Barcelona currently sit in second spot in the Primera Liga table. The defending champions have 16 points, one behind rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona are ranked second in the Champions League Group D, two
adrift of Copenhagen.
A product of Barcelona's youth system, Xavi has been a player at Camp Nou since the age of 11. He starred in the Barcelona B team that earned promotion to the Segunda Division. He made his first team debut
in 1998 and slowly turned into one of the key players in the club.
Xavi was a member of the Barca squads that won the Spanish Primera Liga titles in 1999, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010. He also helped the Catalans win the 2006 and 2009 Champions League crowns.
Xavi has also played for Spain's youth and senior national teams. He was a member of the silver-medal winning Spanish team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Xavi also played a major role in Spain's conquest
of the 2008 Euro tournament and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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