Barcelona have announced that playmaker Xavi has been ruled out of action for 14 days with a calf injury.
A statement on the Catalans' official website explained that the Spain international has been experiencing discomfort in the soleus muscle in his left leg all season long and that a scan on Thursday has now revealed "a small tear" which will sideline the player for a fortnight.
Consequently, Xavi will now miss the Blaugrana's upcoming Liga clashes with Rayo Vallecano, Malaga and Espanyol.
The loss of the influential midfielder is a major blow for Pep Guardiola's side, who fell seven points behind leaders Real Madrid after last weekend's 2-1 Clasico defeat at Camp Nou.
The injury will also be of some concern to Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, with Euro 2012 looming large on the horizon.
