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 wouldn'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 isn'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 Croatia . Barcelona face Manchester City and Real Madrid in next 10 days .