Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez hopes Rafinha will be fit in time to help the team meet Napoli in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg on February 21.
The Brazil international was injured in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final 2-0 win over Osasuna. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a month. Xavi hopes that Ra Finha will recover and come back to help the team face Napoli in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Xavi said:
“Yes, I hope Rafinha will be fit in time for the Champions League game. But I have a clear idea and a list of players to face Madrid,” Xavi said ทางเข้า UFABET
“The team is highly motivated. There was great excitement. There is no better competition than being a football player. Try to play a great game. We had an example last season of an ideal match, dominating the game, defining us. Keeping possession of the ball is an ideal situation.”
“We are a little less fit than Madrid, that is the truth. But it’s a 50/50 game when the ball starts rolling. We will be where we want to be.”
“I have the feeling that Madrid is stronger as Barca is stronger. If we want to win the championship we have to get past Madrid, in the Super Cup final, in the Copa, in La Liga, they have… The reaction was also when they saw Barca’s strength. It was a very close game.”
“I am playing for the championship. I’m more relaxed. We showed that we are a team built to win. Of course, Real Madrid are hungry, they always are.”
“Real Madrid reacts more when they see Barca being strong and able to compete with them. Tomorrow (Sunday) is the ideal situation. I am looking forward to this championship.”