Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that key midfielder Pedri could return to action in Thursday's Spanish Super Cup semi-final with Osasuna.

The 21-year-old was named in the Catalan outfit's squad for the competition in Saudi Arabia despite a muscular problem which has kept him out since the middle of December.

Pedri has missed Barcelona's last three games against Almeria, Las Palmas and Barbastro, and it had been thought that he only had a chance of featuring in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, should the La Liga champions manage to beat Osasuna.

However, Xavi has revealed that the Spain international has a chance of playing in Thursday's last-four clash.

Joao Cancelo is also in the squad despite the right-back suffering a knee problem against Las Palmas on January 4, which was expected to keep him out for three weeks.

The on-loan Manchester City defender is unlikely to feature in the clash with Osasuna but seemingly has a chance of being available for the final.

"Pedri could play against Osasuna, we will see. As far as Joao Cancelo is concerned, it looks a bit complicated," Xavi told reporters on Wednesday.

Barcelona also named Inigo Martinez in their squad despite the centre-back suffering an injury setback in the Copa del Rey contest with Barbastro last time out.

However, Gavi is out for the season with a serious knee injury, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marcos Alonso are both expected to be missing until March following back operations.

"We don't know Osasuna's approach. But they have an excellent coach, they do clear things, play directly. A physical team that defends very well. They have made our lives difficult recently," Xavi told reporters when asked about Thursday's last-four opponents.

"I hope we can repeat what we did last year. The Super Cup was a turning point for us. I hope we win the Super Cup and La Liga again.

"The players' reaction is very positive. They have realized that if we don't give 100%, we won't get what we want. I think they see me as a convinced coach, who gives them confidence and takes the pressure off. I talk to them a lot."

After competing in the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona will switch their attention to the Copa del Rey, facing Unionistas de Salamanca in the last-16 stage of the competition, before returning to La Liga action away to Real Betis on January 21.

The Catalan outfit are the most successful side in the history of the Spanish Super Cup, winning the competition on 14 occasions, including last year, beating Real Madrid 3-1 in the final. body check tags ::