Xavi admits he was shocked by news of Barcelona teammate Eric Abidal's liver tumor.
Barca announced the news about Abidal's tumour last night and the 31-year-old defender will go under the knife tomorrow.
Messages of support have been pouring in for the France international and Xavi said this afternoon: "It's the worst moment I've experienced in a dressing room. It's a very sad day for all of us. These are difficult times for him and his family."
Abidal met his Barca team-mates at training this morning and Xavi heaped praise on the former Lyon player for his attitude, saying: "He's always been an example for the dressing room, not only football-wise, but of attitude. Mentally he is one the strongest people I've met and this is going to help him a lot.
"When he came into training we gave him all the encouragement in the world. His mood surprised us, he's almost given us more encouragement than we have him, that shows his mental strength.
"He is an example of positivity. He told us to continue as always and that on Saturday we beat Getafe. We will try to dedicate a victory to him and his family."
