Xavi set to increase training intensity for Barcelona ahead of hectic fixture schedule – report

Less than a week remains before Barcelona return to action after the long international break. Once all players return to Catalonia, Xavi Hernandez’s men will gear up to take on Athletic Club at Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys on Sunday night.

The clash against the Basque outfit, however, only marks the beginning of yet another grueling set of games for the team. This time, their calendar sees them engage in six games in a span of just three weeks.

Xavi preparing for the hectic schedule

According to reports from Javi Miguel, Xavi Hernandez is aware that an important stretch of the season lies ahead of his men.

The coming games will not only play a critical role in the league race but could also virtually seal Barcelona’s place in the UCL knockouts for the first time in three years.

Training sessions and workloads will thus be intensified in the Catalan capital from here on. The Spanish journalist adds that there will be no rest day this week with six workouts planned for the players training at the club facilities.

His primary aim is to boost the recovery of injured stars and ensure their availability at the earliest. While the training will resume with the sidelined stars in the spotlight, the rest of the squad will join in after their respective international duties.

Gavi will be the first to return as he is set to arrive on Tuesday.

A tough fortnight

After dealing with Ernesto Valverde’s side on Sunday, Barcelona play host to Shakhtar Donetsk in the third game of the UCL group stages.

Less than three days later, the Blaugranas lock horns with Real Madrid in a colossal Clasico fixture in Montjuic. Needless to say, it will be the team’s best chance of cutting the deficit with Real Madrid.

After the game against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Barcelona return to the road where they will take on Real Sociedad and Shakhtar Donetsk on the run. They play host to Deportivo Alaves for the final clash before the next international break.

Xavi’s focus, thus, will be to ensure minimal injuries through apt rotation. After all, he is already in neck-deep water in terms of players unavailable.