Barcelona without 7 key players: Read what Xavi has to say

Photo: Getty Images

Barcelona play host to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League clash on Wednesday evening.

Barcelona have a depleted squad for this game, as Xavi will be without up to seven first team players.

Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong will miss the game through injury.

Gavi will miss the tie through suspension, after he picked up a red card late in the last Champions League game away at Porto.

Xavi has however said that his side have no excuse ahead of this game, as he insists it’s a must-win tie.

“Our injury situation is not ideal but it is the situation we have at this moment. It is what it is,” manager Xavi said on Tuesday, per UEFA.

“We are not here to complain, but to play better than the first half the other day. The fact that we have so many injuries will not be an excuse.”