Barcelona's bid to have the football federation's one-match ban on Xavi temporarily lifted pending an appeal has been rejected by the Spanish Committee for Sporting Discipline (CEDD), the club said in a statement on Friday.
The leaders were trying to overturn a yellow card Xavi picked up for protesting against a refereeing decision in last weekend's 3-2 win at Sevilla - his fifth in the current cycle.
Andres Iniesta could be Xavi's replacement as he is close to a return after a month and a half out injured. But caution is the word with the World Cup starting next month.
"I have been working with the team again for several days and personally I feel very good," the Spain international told a news conference. "Being logical (though) I think it's unlikely I'll be in the starting line-up."
Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas has backed coach Manuel Pellegrini amid widespread media speculation the Chilean will be replaced by Inter Milan's Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.
"We are a new team with a lot of changes ... but the important thing is we are on the right track," said the Spain captain.
"The problem at Real Madrid is they demand so much and they don't give you time but the long-term project is very positive. It's very coherent and we are with him (Pellegrini)."
Fourth-placed Sevilla travel to Almeria on Saturday needing a victory to secure Spain's last Champions League qualification place. Next Wednesday they take on Atletico Madrid in the King's Cup final.
"I hope things go well in these two games, which are both finals, so the Spain coach takes note of me," striker Alvaro Negredo said of his outside chances of making Vicente del Bosque's final 23-man squad for the World Cup.
Sixth-placed Getafe could qualify for the Europa League on their own merits for the first time, having twice made it as King's Cup final losers, if they beat Atletico Madrid away on Saturday.
Atletico have just finished celebrating Wednesday's Europa
