Xavi Hernandez defends Sergi Roberto amid operation and expiring Barcelona contract | OneFootball

Xavi Hernandez has discussed the situation of Sergi Roberto with the defender set to undergo surgery.

Roberto has struggled to recover from a thigh issue which has been reoccurring for around a year.

And it was decided this week that the 29-year-old would undergo an operation to correct the issue once and for all, potentially ruling him our for four months.

It is the same operation as Andres Iniesta once had during his Barcelona days, and it is a necessary procedure for Roberto as he looks to compete far more regularly than he has in the last 12 months.

It’s also a pretty brave decision given Roberto given he is out of contract in the summer and yet to receive a new offer.

But it’s clear he has a fan in head coach Xavi, and that will have given him the confidence to make the call.

Speaking about the situation, Xavi said in today’s press conference: “It’s a person who is an example to La Masia, for the professionals and he has played almost a year suffering.

“It has been injust with him. He has been criticised, despite being a home player. He has never been 100% and he has tried but has not been able to.

“It was recommended to him that he stops and he has to get sorted.

“We have to value this player, he is a fundamental player for the team.

“We hope that when he recuperates, he will be happy, that he can perform at his best, and the team needs him.”