Barcelona’s preparations for the new season were dealt a blow after manager Xavi was denied entry to the United States.
Barça fly to the US for four friendlies – including one against Real Madrid this month ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Many people have been focused on whether Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong will be included in the tour or not, and it was confirmed on Saturday that he will indeed travel with the team across the Atlantic Ocean.
However, a spanner was thrown in the works as Xavi was refused to travel with the team due to ‘administrative and passport issues’.
During Xavi’s time playing for the Qatari club Al Sadd, he traveled to Iran three times, so he now needs a special permit to enter the United States.
Barcelona expected the matter to be resolved by the time of the flight this week but learned on Friday that Xavi would not have travel permission and would wait until Monday to resolve the issue.
The Blaugrana now believe that their coach will join the team in Miami in the middle of next week, and he is expected to join Robert Lewandowski when he transfers from Bayern Munich.
