Barcelona playmaker Xavi will miss the La Liga leaders' game at fourth-placed Villarreal next month after earning a fifth yellow card in Saturday's 2-1 win at home to Getafe and an automatic one-match suspension.
The Spain international, who is a key component of Barca's possession-based playing style, was cautioned for kicking the ball away late in the game at the Nou Camp.
"He'll have a rest for the Villarreal match and have a clean slate for the next games," coach Pep Guardiola said at a news conference.
"They (the players) know how many cards they have," he added. "I want them to forget it and play their natural game."
I totally agree with Guardiola.
It will be harder to win but not impossible.