Barcelona to meet Mallorca

Madrid: Injury-hit Spanish league leader Barcelona faces a tough task on Saturday when it visits mid-table Mallorca.

Barca is five points clear of Real Madrid, but will make the trip without all three of its squad captains — Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol and Xavi — due to muscle injuries.

All three hope to be fit in time for next Wednesday's game away to Valencia and especially for the March 8 Champions League showdown at home to Arsenal.

A large number of Barca fans appear to be worried about the consequences of these injuries, but Xavi tried to reassure them.

“These injuries are a coincidence, due to the number of matches we are playing. Mine is a small injury, I should be fit for the Valencia game,” Xavi said.

Great news

Xavi was then asked about the one-year contract extension of coach Pep Guardiola, which was signed on Wednesday. “It's really great news because he is a magnificent coach,” he said.

When asked about whether defender Gerard Pique was being affected by the news of his romance with singer Shakira, Xavi said: “I don't see him very affected at all. He's making jokes like he always does, and his form is very good.”

In Mallorca, Barca will also be without suspended right-back Dani Alves.

Later on Saturday, Real Madrid will be away to lowly Deportivo La Coruna. Last season the whites finally managed to win in Riazor after 18 years without doing so.

Jose Mourinho's team will be tired after Tuesday's gruelling 1-1 Champions League draw at French side Lyon. Germany midfielder Sami Khedira pulled his left hamstring and will be out for a couple of weeks, which means that Mourinho will bring in Lassana Diarra. — DPA