Xavi on Ansu Fati's injuri: It's a very difficult situation for him

The Catalans are now in the sixth position in

, one point behind Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, and eight points behind third-placed Real Betis. They're adamant about finishing in the top four. 

Alaves are presently 18th in the league standings and the middle of a relegation struggle. They have a two-point lead over Cadiz and a six-point lead over Levante. Mallorca is three points away from safety.

On Thursday evening, the Blaugrana will be trying to rebound from their

extra-time loss to Athletic Club.

Ansu Fati

was also injured, which was a huge setback given how essential the teenager is to Xavi's Camp Nou ambition. 

"He is very affected," Xavi said of Fati in his pre-match press conference in remarks carried by 

. "It's a very difficult situation. Now we've had a meeting with the family. The injury has disrupted our plans for the time he had to play, We'll try to make a very specific plan for him so that he doesn't get injured again. He has to make a very strong recovery."

Xavi was quizzed if he still believed Camp Nou's project would succeed:

"I still am," he said. 

"If not, I would go home. I think we're at the beginning of something important. You have to insist and persevere. It happened to me as a footballer. At first, there was mistrust but then it progressed. I understand the criticism and I know where I am. I know there are no years of transition here. It's a very difficult moment."

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