Xavi to miss Valencia clash

(GSM) – Xavi is set to miss Saturday’s highly-anticipated clash with Valencia at the Camp Nou.

The Barcelona midfielder, who is still suffering from an Achilles tendon problem, was not part of the Spain squad called upon by Vicente del Bosque for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Scotland.

The 30-year-old World Cup winner had been hoping to be fit for the visit of the league leaders on Saturday evening.

However, Dr Ramon Cugat, the specialist who has been treating the midfielder, told Spanish television channel Antena 3: “Xavi is getting better and better, so that one side does not have any pain and the other still has a little bit.

“He wants to play on Saturday, but I have told him he has to wait a bit because he still has trouble on the other side.

“It is too early for him to play.”

Xavi, who has been out of action since late September could be back in action for Barca’s Champions League encounter with FC Copenhagen next Wednesday.