Ivan Rakitic says he is happy to fill Sergio Busquets ' role as a holding midfielder as Barcelona head into the business end of the season . The Croatian has been used all around the midfield since joining from Sevilla last summer , and looks likely to be used at the base of Barcelona 's formation in the coming weeks . Sergio Busquets picked up an injury last week , Javier Mascherano is just one booking away from a suspension , while Andres Iniesta has admitted that he and Xavi no longer function effectively in the same team . Ivan Rakitic ( right ) is likely to play his part in a more defensive role to cover the injured Sergio Busquets . Barcelona , and star Lionel Messi , face a crucial ten days with games against Manchester City and Real Madrid . Neymar trains in Barcelona ahead of a crucial few days for the Catalan club in two competitions . It means that Rakitic will probably in the central holding role against Eibar this season , and he could make the position his own while Busquets recovers . 'It would n't be anything new for me to play in that role , ' he said . ' I played there for my country last season . 'It 's a different position and it demands different skills , but I know the position very well . Luis Enrique ( above ) is likely to shuffle his midfield to protect Javier Mascherano from suspension . Barca left back Jordi Alba trains on Thursday as the Spanish side prepared to take on minnows Eibar . Defender Gerard Pique , who will probably be joined again at the back by Jeremy Mathieu , strikes the ball . 'As the pivot you have to cover the defenders who come out with the ball , help them if there is n't an easy way out and watch the backs of the team mates you have in front of you . 'You have to help the team in whatever position you play . The important thing is to be out on the pitch , I want to play every game . ' After the trip to Eibar , Barca take a 2-1 lead into their Champions League last 16 , second leg at home to Manchester City on Wednesday and host Real in La Liga the following Sunday .
Sergio Busquets was injured against Villarreal last week . With Javier Mascherano on the verge of a suspension , Rakitic likely to be used as the deepest midfielder in coming weeks . Rakitic comfortable with the role , having played there for Manchester City . Barcelona face Croatia and Real Madrid in next 10 days .