Barcelona’s coach Xavi handed huge injury boost ahead of Manchester United Europa League clash

Sergio Busquets returned to the Barcelona squad on Sunday night, ahead of this week’s crucial Europa League clash with Manchester United.

The club legend suffered an ankle injury in a league match against Sevilla in early February, missing his side’s last three games, including last Thursday’s thrilling 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou against Erik ten Hag’s side.

With young stars Pedri and Gavi ruled out through injury and suspension, respectively, Xavi faces a major midfield headache ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford this week.

However, the Barcelona manager will have his veteran midfielder available, with Busquets named among the substitutes against Cadiz on Sunday night.

With the La Liga leaders winning 2-0 thanks to first-half goals from Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski, Xavi resisted the temptation to bring on the 34-year-old, instead keeping him on the bench for the midweek trip to Manchester.

‘Busquets was available today, but I chose not to play him. ‘He’ll be ready to start against Manchester United,’ Xavi said after the game.

Xavi made six changes to his starting lineup on Sunday, resting Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba, Franck Kessie, and Raphinha, while Araujo was suspended and Pedri was sidelined.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Juhan Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, and Gavi all kept their spots in the weekend victory.

Ousmane Dembele was not included in the squad as he recovers from a hamstring injury, with the France international not expected to return in time for Thursday’s match.

Meanwhile, Pedri will be out for three to four weeks as a result of the injury he suffered last week, which forced him to leave the game after only 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, Gavi will be suspended after receiving a yellow card for a foul on Fred in the second half, hauling him back as he broke away on the counter.

It was the 18-year-third old’s booking in European competition this season, following yellow cards against Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen in Champions League group games, earning him a one-match suspension.

United enter the second leg on the back of a 3-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City, with Marcus Rashford scoring twice to continue his incredible run of form.

The winner of Thursday’s second leg will advance to the Europa League’s round of 16.