Barcelona boss Xavi has said that Frenkie de Jong was substituted against Valencia on Sunday afternoon due to "hamstring discomfort".
The Netherlands international was replaced at the interval of the La Liga clash, with Franck Kessie entering the pitch to join Sergi Roberto and Sergio Busquets in central midfield.
Xavi said after the match that the midfielder was suffering "hamstring discomfort", although it is currently unclear whether the 25-year-old will be a doubt for the clash with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
"Frenkie has hamstring discomfort. He was already very tired after the match at the Bernabeu. We subbed him out as a precaution," said the Barcelona boss after the one-goal success over Valencia.
Raphinha's 16th-minute effort proved to be enough to beat Los Che, but it was a frustrating match for the hosts, who saw Ferran Torres miss a penalty before Ronald Araujo was sent off.
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"It's a shame because we could talk about comfortable victories. But the lack of effectiveness makes us suffer. We have a lot of injuries. It is time to suffer and that makes us grow," Xavi said during his post-match press conference.
Gavi was absent against Valencia through suspension, while Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele again missed the contest through hamstring issues.
Xavi was also forced to watch from the stands due to his milestone booking against Almeria.
"From above you see it better, but we suffered too much. We should have scored a second one earlier. The penalty, the shot that hit the post [by Ansu Fati]... And with Ronald's expulsion we suffered more," he added.
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Xavi also addressed the on-the-field discussion which took place between Torres and Fati over which player would take the penalty in the 55th minute.
"The penalty takers are already agreed upon before the match, and it was Ferran. Us in the technical staff determine who shoots and the players know that," he added.
"I think it's actually good that Ansu asked to shoot the penalty. His attitude is very positive. In the end, he wants to make the difference.
"Ferran never stops working. You can miss, but you have to try. Football is a game of trying. We're not going to crucify him for missing."
Barcelona's Europa League exit to Manchester United means that they will not be back in action until next weekend away to Athletic in La Liga.
Matt Law
