Xavi helps spark Barcelona comeback against Valencia

The Barcelona doctors warned Pep Guardiola against playing Xavi Hernandez at the Camp Nou on Saturday due to his continued problems with tendinitis which saw him miss Spain’s Euro 2012 qualifiers over the international break.

It was a good thing for Barca fans that Guardiola ignored that advice and fielded the superstar in central midfield.

With his team a goal down at half time, Xavi masterminded the blaugrana comeback with two perfectly weighted assists for Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol but that was just the half of it.

His passing impeccable, his vision unrivalled, Xavi bossed the Valencia midfield in the second half, thwarting the industry of Ever Banega, David Albelda and Manuel Fernandes to switch the game in Barcelona’s favour.

Xavi complained after the game that he could still feel his injury. A relatively straightforward match against Real Zaragoza next weekend could provide the perfect opportunity for Guardiola to finally rest his midfield dynamo.

Read more on Spanish football at Simon Jalie’s La Liga Blog