Xavi hopeful of Barcelona return

Barcelona midfield ace Xavi is hoping to be fit to return to action for the crucial La Liga clash with leaders Valencia next weekend.

The 30-year-old Spain international is currently sidelined by an Achilles problem, but hopes that the international break will help him to recover in time in time to face Los Che.

He told his club’s official website: “I'm getting better, I've suffered enough and I've played with quite a lot of pain.

“The doctors knew it, I knew it, but they were important games and I wanted to be involved, but in the end the pain was unbearable.

“After the Champions League match with Rubin Kazan I spoke with Vicente Del Bosque and with Pep Guardiola.

“I think that it was a good moment to rest. This 20-day break has been good for me and we'll see if I can overcome this tendinitis and this great pain that I have.

“I'm always optimistic, I like to think positively and I hope to be there against Valencia.”