Xavi Hernandez is excited for the close return of this FC Barcelona player

Xavi Hernandez is optimistic for the rest of the season after their last performance in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca. FC Barcelona defeated the third-tier side 3-1 after a great comeback win away from home. Barca advanced to the Quarter Finals and hope to continue their cup form when they take on Athletic Bilbao next week.

Related News: Xavi Hernandez admits he is missing a key player to the FC Barcelona team

Before Barca focuses on Bilbao next week, the team will travel to Seville to play Real Betis in La Liga. Betis are currently 8th with 31 points, while the Blaugrana sit 4th with 41 points. Barca needs to pick up points in order to retain their league title, as they are eight points away from league leaders Girona and seven points away from Real Madrid; Los Blancos have a game in hand.

Xavi praised Betis for their league form this season and anticipates a tough game at the Benito Villamarin stadium. Betis has only three losses in the league but their 10 draws have kept them lower than they would like.

Xavi says, "We have a tough game against a competitor who hasn’t lost many games. We started the second round with great enthusiasm and believe we can come back but we cannot fail. Betis play very well but they let you play."

Xavi was asked about injuries in the team, and he mentioned that the players are tired and the Spanish coach will need to make rotations for their upcoming games. The schedule looks busy for Barca, as with the game tomorrow, the Blaugrana will play nine games before March. Xavi will need his injured players to recover fast, and he has good news for a crucial player in the team that could feature in next week's game against Bilbao.

Related News: FC Barcelona player on loan has bold words for Xavi and doesn't want to return

Joao Cancelo could return for the Copa del Rey clash against Athletic Bilbao, and Xavi believes he will be fit for that game

Xavi believes that Joao Cancelo isn't fit for the Real Betis game but could be fine for the Bilbao game on Wednesday. This would be a huge boost to the team as the right back adds quality and makes players comfortable. Kounde and Araujo have played in the right back position, and Xavi knows that both players are natural center backs. With the return of Cancelo, both center-backs could start together centrally while another center-back like Christensen can rest, leading to good depth ahead of the busy schedule.

Xavi talks about Cancelo's return and his fitness for the upcoming games. Xavi says, "João Cancelo’s availability is complicated for tomorrow, but I think he will return for the match against Bilbao. I am optimistic."