"He gives us a lot with and without the ball" - Xavi rues Barcelona star's suspension ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk UCL clash

Barcelona boss Xavi has admitted that his side will miss Gavi in their UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk tomorrow (October 25).

Gavi will miss the encounter with Shakhtar after being sent off in the Blaugrana's 1-0 win against FC Porto on matchday two. The Spanish wonderkid has been superb for Xavi's side this season, bagging two goals and one assist in 12 games across competitions.

The 19-year-old also shined while representing Spain during the international break this past week. He scored the winner in a 1-0 victory against Norway as La Roja qualified for Euro 2024.

However, Barcelona will be without Gavi for tomorrow's game at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Xavi has stressed the impact his absence will have on his side (via BarcaBlaugranes):

"I always said he’s essential. He is giving us a lot with and without the ball. He will be missed, especially against a rival with a high physical and technical level in a Champions League game."

Gavi has been nominated for the 2023 Golden Boy award for an excellent past year for club and country. He won the award last year and his suspension comes as a blow. The Spain international made a silly foul in the 90+3rd minute of the win against Porto.

Barcelona head into the game against Shakhtar top of Group H with two wins from two games. They beat Belgian side Royal Antwerp 5-0 on matchday one with Gavi bagging the fifth goal.

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Xavi insists Barcelona focus on the Champions League despite El Clasico clash with Real Madrid this weekend

The El Clasico rivals square off this weekend.

Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season on Saturday (October 28). The two arch-rivals look set to wage war in another La Liga title challenge this season.

Madrid are top of La Liga, holding a one-point lead over third-placed Barca. A tantalizing affair awaits at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

However, Xavi has warned his players not to lose focus on the job at hand which is to reach the Champions League knockout stages. He said (via the aforementioned source):

"I tell the players that it is the Champions League even if there is a Clasico just around the corner. We want nine points from nine. It’s very important to get through."

Barcelona failed to make it out of the group stages last season, finishing third in Group C consisting of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Viktoria Plzen. They headed to the Europa League playoffs but lost 4-3 on aggregate to Manchester United.