Xavi gives updates on the fitness of Araujo, Ansu and Dembélé

The 'hangover' of Barcelona's European elimination left not only an emotional blow to the dressing room, but also new physical problems for the squad at this very demanding moment of the season.

Ansu Fati was injured in training on Friday and Ronald Araujo ended the Manchester United clash with discomfort. Two names that join Ousmane Dembélé, who is in the final stages of his recovery, and Pedri as potential absentees.

Xavi spoke about all of them except Pedri at a press conference on Saturday.

"Dembélé is doing very well," the Barça boss said. "He's with the fitness coaches, I saw him training yesterday. He's not at 100 per cent but he's close to returning.

"We will assess him but it's how he feels which will determine his return, we don't want to force him. His impressions will decide when he comes back."

On Araujo, Xavi made it clear that "he has nothing" and "is perfectly available" to face Almeria in LaLiga on Sunday.

However, with Ansu the news is not so good, although his absence should not be too serious either.

"Ansu had a brusied knee in training, but nothing more," Xavi explained. "He won't be available against Almeria, but we hope to have him for Thursday (against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg), I think he will be."