Barcelona currently have two important defenders out injured – Ronald Araujo and summer signing Inigo Martinez.

The Uruguay international played the full 90 minutes against Getafe in La Liga last weekend before picking up an injury.

Xavi has admitted that Ronald Araujo will be out for a month, and is unlikely to be available for selection until after the September international break.

Xavi told reporters during his press conference on Friday: “Ronald got injured in training. We have to prevent and minimise injuries.

“How long he will be out depends on how he feels. I imagine that after the international break he will be fit.

“The calendar is very demanding. The other day Pep [Guardiola] was rightly complaining. They don’t think so much about the players but about the business.”

Xavi also revealed that Inigo Martinez will be back soon.

The experienced defender was unable to feature against Athletic last weekend due to a troublesome foot problem, but Xavi has provided a positive update on his fitness now.

“Inigo will be with the group next week. We’re keeping an eye on the registrations, we’re optimistic. We’ll see if we can register Marcos and Inaki,” he said.