Xavi Hernandez Injury: Updates on Barcelona Star's Calf and Return

Xavi Hernandez is in the process of recovering from a micro-tear in his calf, and appears ready to return against Atletico Madrid.

Continue for updates.

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Xavi Fit for Cup Clash

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Barcelona provided news of Xavi's return ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg against Atletico:

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Xavi Misses Multiple Matches

Sunday, Jan. 18

Barcelona confirmed Xavi was not fit to play at Deportivo:

On Jan. 14, Luis Enrique announced Xavi wouldn't play in Thursday's Copa del Rey Round of 16 2nd leg tie at Elche. Xavi had previously missed the first leg of the cup tie, as well as Barca's 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

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Xavi Continues to Train, Likely to Miss Deportivo Match

Saturday, Jan. 17

Barcelona reported Friday that Xavi was still waiting to be medically cleared to return to the roster:

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Xavi Hernández has not been given the medical all-clear, but was able to train normally with the rest of the squad on Saturday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva.

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According to a report from Spanish publication Sport on Friday, Xavi has returned to practice, but still may not play in Barca's next match: 

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Luis Enrique has two major doubts, Xavi and Neymar. They both trained with their team-mates, although Xavi has not been discharged by Barcelona's medics.  

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Xavi Suffers Calf Injury

Thursday, Jan. 8

Xavi Hernandez was omitted from Barcelona's squad to face Elche in their Copa del Rey Round of 16 1st leg after picking up a calf strain, according to the club's official website.

Xavi has made made 11 starts and eight substitute appearances across the domestic division and Champions League this campaign, per WhoScored.com. He has one goal and three assists to his name and remains a key figure during important moments for the Blaugrana.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Few players are able to replicate Xavi's control and vision. Andres Iniesta though, who was originally scheduled to miss the first leg with Elche, is more than capable of covering Xavi's absence.