Pep Guardiola will continue to play Xavi through his injury - but the Barcelona boss is confident he is not risking the midfielder's World Cup chances.

The 30-year-old was carrying a knock to a muscle in his left leg during Saturday's win at Villarreal, sparking worries he could be ruled out of Spain's squad for South Africa.

But Guardiola said on Monday: "I don't want him to get injured, but Xavi knows his body well and reckoned he was all right to turn out. Make no mistake, we both want him to be fit for the World Cup."