Xavi: Barca have cover in defence

Xavi Hernandez believes Barcelona have what it takes to overcome defensive absentees in their Copa de Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Barca will be without fullbacks Eric Abidal and Dani Alves for the match at Estadio Vicente Calderon, while club captain and centre-back Carles Puyol is also missing.

Argentina international Javier Mascherano, who joined the club in 2010 as a midfielder, is likely to find himself filling in again at the back, while youth team graduate Martin Montoya is another fringe player who may be called upon.

“We are missing important players,” Xavi said.

“Puyol’s injury is important, Abidal we all know, and also Dani’s.

“We are very sensitive (vulnerable) now that we don’t have our regulars in defence. But the rest are prepared to take part.

“Adriano is playing very well, Martin Montoya is playing at a very high level, and Mascherano and Pique have been taking part too. Let’s see what defence the coach chooses but these guys are ready to compete.”

Barca have surrendered their La Liga crown to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid and surprisingly exited the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea in the semi-finals.

Friday’s clash with Athletic is their last chance to given outgoing coach Pep Guardiola a winning send-off before he is replaced by assistant Tito Vilanova.