MADRID: Barcelona on Friday confirmed that midfielder Xavi Hernandez will be out for “10 to 15 days”, ruling him out of Saturday's Clasico and rendering him doubtful for the Champions League last 16, second leg, against AC Milan.

The Spanish top-flight leaders announced on their website that Xavi is suffering from a slight tear in his right hamstring.

While his absence from Saturday's trip to play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu was expected -- and not a major blow with Barca currently 12 points clear at the top of La Liga -- he would be sorely missed against Milan.

The Catalans are 2-0 down from the first leg of their tie against the Italian side and face a huge task to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The return leg at the Camp Nou will be played on March 12.

In his absence, Thiago Alcantara is likely to stand in against Madrid, and possibly for next Saturday's home meeting with struggling Deportivo.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.