Barcelona Football Club

• Nickname:Barça
• Founded:1899
• Manager:Tito Vilanova

• Ground:Nou Camp
• Capacity:98600

Xavi plays down World Cup fears

02 May 2010 - 14:18:10

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Spain midfielder Xavi has played down suggestions that he could miss the World Cup through injury.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola revealed after his side's 4-1 La Liga victory over Villarreal on Saturday evening that the playmaker was carrying a serious thigh problem.

Xavi scored one goal and set-up two more for the Catalan side as Barca moved four points clear of title rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.

"Xavi's playing with an injury that could see him miss the World Cup," said Guardiola.

However, Xavi, who was player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championship two years ago, was more upbeat about his chances of being fit for South Africa.

"I'm carrying a number of aches but the team has a lot on the line," he said.

"There was a lot at stake and I wanted to be there to help.

"We are just a step away from the title and it's not such a serious injury - I'll be okay for the World Cup".

Spain have been drawn with Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H for the upcoming tournament in South Africa.