Xavi admits he has serious fitness concerns over two key Barcelona players ahead of Man Utd clash

Barcelona boss Xavi has admitted that he has fitness concerns over two key players ahead of the second leg of his side's Europa League play-off clash against Manchester United.

The two sides head into Thursday's fixture at Old Trafford all square, after they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

Both teams had opportunities to win the match, with Casemiro's miscued clearance striking his own post late on the closest that Barcelona came to taking the advantage.

But it was an accomplished performance from United, who are now seen as favourites to progress to the next round of the competition.

Erik ten Hag will also be able to call upon Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer at Old Trafford after they missed the first leg through suspension.

Xavi is not in the same position, with midfielders Gavi and Pedri out of the fixture. Gavi is suspended through an accumulation of yellow cards, whilst Pedri picked up an injury in the first leg.

Sergio Busquets, however, is back in contention following an ankle sprain. But Xavi has admitted that he holds concerns over two other key players ahead of the United match.

Xavi confirms fitness issues ahead of Man Utd clash

During Barca's 2-0 win over Cadiz on Sunday, which restored their eight point advantage at the top of La Liga, the Spaniard decided to substitute Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski.

Whilst there were no injury concerns involved in his decision, Xavi did reveal his worries over the pair prior to taking on United, with the substitutions made as a precaution.

He said (via Marca): "Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski played more minutes. I think they have been playing a lot of minutes, that's why I made the changes.

"The other day Pedri was injured, and we can't afford more injuries. Let's prepare for Thursday's game from tomorrow and see how tired they are."

While Busquets could replace De Jong in midfield if fully fit, the absence of Lewandowski would be a significant blow for Barca.

The Poland striker and 2021 Ballon d'Or winner has netted 24 goals in all competitions this season since joining on a free transfer from Bayern Munich last summer.