Barcelona midfielder Xavi will miss their trip to play Real Madrid today (kick-off 3pm) and will be out of action for 10 to 15 days with a hamstring injury.
The Spain playmaker had a relapse of a muscle problem when Barca were knocked out of the Copa del Rey 3-1 at home by Real in a semi-final second leg on Tuesday.
Xavi had just returned from a similar injury in his right leg two weeks ago in time for the games against AC Milan and Sevilla, and will be a doubt for Barca’s Champions League last 16 second leg at home to Milan on March 12th.
The leaders travel to the Bernabeu with a 12-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, and a 16-point gap on the champions in third, but in need of a lift after their 2-0 reverse in Milan and the midweek defeat to Real.
Lionel Messi has recovered from an illness that saw him miss training on Wednesday and is available for selection.
Real will be without suspended Angel Di Maria for a Clasico overshadowed by their trip to Old Trafford and are expected to field a weakened side.
