Barcelona coach Xavi is keen to see his side show their worth despite being hit by several key injuries.
Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong all suffered injuries while on international duty.
The Uruguayan will miss three months after undergoing surgery on a torn thigh muscle, while the others are less serious.
Ahead of this weekend’s match with Mallorca, Xavi admits that while he’s frustrated by the news, it’s an opportunity for other players to step up.
“It frustrates me, but we have to look forward,” Xavi said.
“Each player is his own world, the reason (for the injuries) has multiple factors, we don’t know the main one. The trips, the methodologies (of the national teams), overload of games.
“It’s not about looking for people to blame, it’s bad luck, but we will take it well. It’s the moment to demonstrate we have a great squad.”
Xavi’s solution
Given international football disrupts the European calendar, Xavi did offer a solution for the problem.
“The national team could play for a month and a half in a row, and then after that the players spend the rest of the year with their clubs,” said Xavi.
“It wouldn’t be bad, if FIFA’s plan is to have a World Cup every two years.”
Xavi wary of Mallorca’s good form
As for Saturday’s match against Mallorca, Xavi is expecting a tough challenge given Los Piratas currently sit 10th in the table.
“It’s a difficult match away from home,” said Xavi. “Javier Aguirre always looks to take advantage of his opponents as defensively they are very strong.
“They are in good form, and with the injuries, it will be difficult for us.”
