Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi will be out of action for around six months after injuring his knee in training and could now miss next year’s World Cup finals.
The 25-year-old tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a training session, Barcelona have confirmed. He will undergo surgery to repair the damage but is expected to need six months to recover.
Midfield schemer Xavi was a key figure for Barcelona last season, when they won their first Spanish League title for four years. He is also a regular in the Spanish side that recently qualifed for next year’s World Cup following a play-off victory over Slovakia.
The Spanish League is scheduled to finish on May 14, leaving few matches for Xavi to gain match fitness ahead of the World Cup finals, which kick off on June 9.
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