Barcelona boss Xavi is dealt another HUGE blow with Sergi Roberto 'set to be sidelined for FOUR months with a thigh injury that requires surgery'

• Sergi Roberto has made over 300 appearances for his boyhood club Barcelona
• He offers versatility as he is able to play at right back and in central midfield
• The 29-year-old has already been out of action for over a month through injury
• His setback is a blow for Barcelona who are also without Pedri and Sergio Aguero

Sergi Roberto has been ruled out for the next four months due to a thigh injury that requires surgery, according to reports.

The versatile player featured regularly for the Spanish giants in the early part of the season, but has been out of action since October 27.

He did return to the bench last month, which appeared to indicate that he was nearing a comeback. 

However, he suffered a setback shortly afterwards, and it has emerged that he will need an operation on his muscle problem, which could keep him away from the pitch until April, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The surgery will take place in the coming days, and Barcelona will now have to cope without him for the majority of the season.

Roberto's injury update is just the latest blow for Xavi, who only took charge at the Nou Camp less than a month ago.

Sergio Aguero is also unavailable until next year at the earliest, after the striker complained of chest pains, while teenage sensation Pedri is set not to play again until 2022 as he recovers from his own muscle issue.

Meanwhile, Xavi can't count on Ansu Fati and Martin Braithwaite at the moment either, leaving his squad looking increasingly thin heading into the final month of the year.

Barcelona are already well off the pace in LaLiga, as they currently occupy seventh spot in the table, and they have a crucial Champions League clash with Bayern Munich coming up in a matter of days.

Xavi appeared to have a tough job on his hands when he replaced Ronald Koeman in the dugout. His task of getting Barcelona back on track certainly hasn't got any easier in recent weeks.