Xavi, who turns 31 on Jan 25, debuted for Barca in 1998 and has been shortlisted along with team mates Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, which is to be announced on Jan 10.
Brief news from La Liga ahead of this weekend's matches (times GMT):
Spain midfielder Xavi is set to make his 549th official appearance for Barcelona at home to Levante on Sunday (1700), matching the club record set by former player Migueli.
Xavi, who turns 31 on Jan 25, debuted for Barca in 1998 and has been shortlisted along with team mates Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, which is to be announced on Jan 10.
"What Xavi has achieved is incredible and demonstrates that he has a great mental strength," coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
Valencia receive Espanyol on Sunday (2100), for a fourth against fifth clash, without injured first-choice goalkeeper Cesar and suspended duo, defender David Navarro and striker Roberto Soldado.
Atletico Madrid host Racing Santander on Monday (1900) with a doubt over Uruguay striker Diego Forlan who has an ankle injury.
The sixth-placed club have had to issue an apology on behalf of new signing Elias, who could make his debut, after the Brazil midfielder was photographed holding up a scarf with an anti-Real Madrid slogan at his presentation.
Hercules have criticised Dutch midfielder Royston Drenthe, on loan from Real, who has refused to turn up to training after the winter break saying he has not been paid.
"He is showing a lack of respect towards Real, Hercules and his team mates," club president Valentin Botella told reporters.
Hercules, who face Real Mallorca away on Monday (1900), have promised playing and coaching staff they will paid November wages by the middle of January.
Malaga have completed the loan signing of Argentina defender Martin Demichelis from Bayern Munich and he joins fellow new recruits Sergio Asenjo, Ignacio Camacho and Enzo Maresca at the club.
Manuel Pellegrini's side lie 18th in the standings and have been the biggest movers in the Spanish transfer market so far, but all four newcomers were left out of the squad to visit Sporting Gijon on Sunday (1700).
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