Why Xavi has been denied entry to United States

Barcelona's pre-season preparations have been dealt a blow after head coach Xavi was denied entry to the United States.

Barça are jetting off to the US for four friendlies - including one against Real Madrid - this month ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

A lot of attention had been centred on whether or not Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong would be included in the travelling party, and it was confirmed on Saturday that he will indeed travel with the team across the Atlantic ocean.

However, a spanner has been thrown in the works as Xavi has not been allowed to travel with the team due to 'some administrative and passport problems'.

During Xavi's time as a player for Qatari side Al Sadd, he travelled to Iran three times, and so he now requires special permission to enter the US.

Barcelona expected the issue to be resolved in time for this weekend's flight but they discovered on Friday that Xavi would not be receiving a travel permit, and will have to wait until Monday to sort the issue.

The Blaugrana now believe their head coach will join up with the squad in Miami in the middle of next week, and he is expected to be joined by Robert Lewandowski once his transfer from Bayern Munich is complete.