Spain midfielder Xavi is in a race against time to be fit for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France, as he attempts to recover from a thigh injury, the Spanish federation announced on Tuesday.
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The 33-year-old Barcelona star is set to train apart
from the rest of the squad over the coming days and
may be rested by coach Vicente Del Bosque for
Friday's tie against Finland, with the potential Group
I decider against France next Tuesday in Paris.
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"Having looked at the tests carried out today (Tuesday), the player will take part in individual training over the next few days in order to reintegrate back into the squad," read a federation statement.
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The World Cup winner has only recently come back from a hamstring problem and suffered the latest injury in Barcelona's 4-0 humbling of AC Milan in last week's Champions League Last 16 seocnd leg clash. Spain lead France only on goal difference with both teams on seven points after three matches, while Finland are bottom of the pool with one point from two outings.
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Georgia on four points and Belarus on three complete the group.
That is definately going to be a big blow for Spain, i really think he'll be felt in the games cos he is very key to the squad.