Barcelona playmaker Xavi is refusing to speculate about the likelihood of him returning to action in time for next year’s World Cup finals.

The Spain international midfielder sustained a knee injury during training last Friday and underwent surgery at the weekend.

Xavi did hint that he thinks that there is enough time for him to recover to be considered for next year’s World Cup.

“At the moment I do not want to make any predictions,” he said. “Now I have to think only about myself and about the knee and listen to the doctors so that I can recover as quickly as possible.

“There are still many months left before the World Cup.”

Spain coach Aragones included Xavi in his national team get-together next Monday, but the midfielder was unable to attend.

“I have spoken to the coach and as I am still on crutches, I will not be able to go,” Xavi explained.

“He told me that he is counting on me, but he knows how things go and is just hoping that I can recover soon.”

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