Xavi backs 'key' Busquets amid Barcelona questions over future ahead of 'momentary' World Cup run-in

Barcelona boss Xavi has played down concerns over captain Sergio Busquets' future, insisting the Spain international remains 'key' to his plans at the club.

A rocky start to the season for the 34-year-old, including a red card against Rayo Vallecano, appears to have fueled further suggestions that this campaign could be his last at Camp Nou.

With Barca still likely needing to cut their fabric accordingly amid their financial struggles, the Spanish skipper could well be a key man to leave next year.

But the defensive midfielder has publicly downplayed the importance of a definitive answer on his future, and speaking ahead of his side's clash against Mallorca, Xavi reiterated that no decision has yet been made .

"Busquets has publicly stated that he hasn't decided anything," he said. "He will make a decision at the end of the season and for me he continues to be key."

With domestic and European concerns to be addressed, Barca are set to enter a major period of match congestion, with a dozen games in the month and a half leading up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.< /p>

Several of Xavi's coaching colleagues across the continent have expressed their dissatisfaction with the intense schedule, but he is instead focused on picking up as many points as possible at home and abroad.

"We have 12 games before the World Cup break," he added. "It's a crucial stage of the season. All the games are going to be very important.

"Tomorrow we have to win and show our character. We have to show our strengths."

Barca will enter an enforced break this term thanks to hosting the mid-season Winter World Cup in Qatar, adding another tough dimension to an already grueling campaign.

With FIFA recently hinting at plans to potentially expand the tournament to a biennial organization, Xavi believes there should be no further restructurings or moves from his traditional off-season spot.

“FIFA plans to organize the World Cup every two years,” he added. "Now we have the World Cup in Qatar during the winter period.

"I think it would be better if the tournament was compiled at a separate time. Then the other time is allocated to the clubs."