Xavi hopeful Raphinha will return for Champions League clash

Barcelona head coach Xavi is hopeful that Raphinha will have recovered from his hamstring injury in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Napoli on February 21.

Raphinha suffered a muscular issue during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Osasuna on Thursday, and he is set to be on the sidelines for at least the next month.

There had been fears that the Brazil international could also be missing for Barcelona's return to Champions League action next month, but Xavi said during his press conference ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final that the attacker should return to action in time for the game with the Italian champions.

"Yes, I hope Raphinha makes it to the Champions League game. But yes, I have a clear idea and the name of the players against Madrid," Xavi told reporters on Saturday.

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"The team is very motivated, very excited. There is no better stage for a footballer. Try to play a great match: we have the example of last season, which is the ideal match. To dominate the match: to impose our identity, to dominate with the ball is the ideal scenario.

"We are a little less fit than Madrid, that's the reality. But it's all 50/50 when the ball rolls. We are where we want to be.

"I have the feeling that Madrid are stronger when Barça are stronger. If we've won any title we've had to go through Madrid. In the Super Cup final, in the Copa, in La Liga. They also react when they see a strong Barça. It's all very evenly matched.

"I'm playing for a title. I'm more relaxed. We've shown that we're a winning project and of course, Real Madrid are hungry. They always are.

"Real Madrid react even more when they see a strong Barca side that can compete with them. Tomorrow is an ideal scenario: I'm looking forward to this title."

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Xavi was also full of praise for Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos midfielder Jude Bellingham ahead of El Clasico.

"I'm sure I haven't underestimated him. I think he is one of the best coaches in history: he has succeeded in every country, you won't see people talking badly about Ancelotti. Similarities? We were midfielders but I think the idea and the methodology are different," he said.

"We don't focus on one player or we would go crazy. I would highlight Bellingham's presence, his physical ability, his technique. He is making a difference from the second line."

Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of the Spanish Super Cup, winning the trophy 14 times, including last season, when they recorded a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the final.