Thursday, 11th February 2010

Barcelona have been hit with an unfortunate defensive crisis in a crucial time of the season, but midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez remains unperturbed ahead of his side’s visit to Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon at the weekend.

"It’s a shame we have so many casualties in the backline, but we are not thinking about making excuses for a loss," Xavi said to Catalan daily Sport, adding, "We have different options to play in Madrid and, as always, we’re going to win, to compete to take all three points. [Vicente Calderon] has historically been a difficult place to play, but whoever is picked to go out, he’ll do well.”

Barca are sure to be without regular defensive options Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Rafael Márquez, Eric Abidal, Yaya Touré, and Dmitri Chygrynskiy at the weekend.

Spurs have drawn four of their last seven games, throwing away an opportunity to solidify their Champions League qualification hopes. Their quest to break into the top four continues when they visit Wolverhampton tonight.

 

 

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