Barcelona coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has named an 18-man squad for Sunday’s Liga BBVA match against Elche (16:00 CET).
Goalkeeper Víctor Valdés makes his return from injury after recovering from a calf tear suffered in Spain’s defeat to South Africa in November. Lionel Messi misses out as he continues his fitness return.
Xavi Hernández and Neymar also make their comebacks to first-team duty. The midfielder has overcome problems in his right soleus muscle, while the Brazilian international missed December’s win over Getafe through suspension. Meanwhile,Sergio Busquets is suspended for Sunday’s clash and Dani Alves is absent after suffering from a fever in recent days.
Barcelona squad to face Elche: Valdés, Pinto, Montoya, Piqué, Fàbregas, Puyol, Xavi, Pedro, Iniesta, Alexis, Neymar, Mascherano, Bartra, Song, Jordi Alba, Tello, Adriano and Sergi Roberto.