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Barcelona Pair Xavi and Marquez Doubful For Valencia Trip - Report

Barca may be without the talented duo this weekend...

Oct 13, 2009 12:01:48 AM

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Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will have to sweat over the fitness of Xavi Hernandez and Rafael Marquez ahead of their game against Valencia on Saturday night, according to Super Deporte.

Xavi returned from international duty with Spain after picking up a thigh injury in the 2-1 win over Armenia on Saturday. The midfield playmaker felt some discomfort in his right knee during the World Cup qualifier, which resulted in overloading pressure on his right thigh. A combination of this thigh strain and fluid on his knee looks likely to rule him out of the game at the Mestalla.

Marquez was replaced in the final quarter of an hour of Mexico's 4-1 win over El Salvador at the weekend, and he too is unlikely to feature for the game against Los Che.

Andres Iniesta on the other hand may feature. The midfield dynamo shipped a heavy challenge in the Armenia game, sparking fears of a recurrence of the injury that kept him out of action for four months, but it appears now that he is in good condition after training as normal with Spain on Monday.

He is not expected to feature against Bosnia on Wednesday, so he therefore should be fit for Valencia on the weekend.

Paul Madden, Goal.com