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Barcelona's Xavi will miss match vs. Atletico Madrid

Gustau Nacarino / Reuters

Barcelona will look to get back on track in La Liga on Sunday with a mouthwatering clash against Atletico Madrid, but will have to do so without one of the squad's most enduring members.

Luis Enrique confirmed during his pre-match press conference on Saturday that Xavi will play no part in the match due to a calf injury.

Sunday's contest will be the second in a row that Xavi will miss due to his ailment, as he also sat out Friday's Copa del Rey victory over Elche.

The Spaniard, 34, hasn't been the ever-present midfielder of years past, but his calming influence in the centre of the pitch would have been a welcome attribute against an Atletico side that thrive on putting opponents under pressure and playing an incredibly high-tempo, pressing game.

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