Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that Sergio Busquets will be involved in Sunday evening's La Liga contest with Cadiz at Camp Nou.
The 34-year-old has missed his side's last two matches with the ankle injury that he picked up against Sevilla in the league on February 5.
There had been fears that the sprain could rule him out until next month, but Busquets was present at Barcelona's training ground on Friday for a recovery session following Thursday's Europa League knockout round playoff first leg with Manchester United.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw with Man United at Camp Nou, Xavi said: "We'll recover Busquets for Sunday."
The former Spain captain is not expected to be in the first XI against Cadiz, instead potentially being used as a second-half substitute with a view to starting at Old Trafford next Thursday.
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Busquets's expected return would be timely for Barcelona considering that Pedri picked up a hamstring problem during the first leg against Man United.
Fellow midfielder Gavi will also be suspended for the trip to Manchester, while Ousmane Dembele remains on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue.
Busquets has again been an important player for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 27 occasions in all competitions, contributing one assist in the process.
However, there remains widespread speculation surrounding his future at Camp Nou, as his current contract is due to expire at the end of June.
Teams from the MLS and Saudi Arabia are believed to be keen to sign Busquets, who is yet to make up his mind over a potential new deal with the Catalan giants.
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Xavi recently told reporters: "In the end, we all work together and the decision is his. We are waiting to see what he decides. He is a very important person inside and outside, he is the captain.
"He is part of everything and he has earned the right to decide his future. If he can continue, I'd be delighted."
Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta added: "For now we are focused on La Liga. Sergio is an important player for us and it'll be difficult for our team's dynamics if he leaves.
"When he decides, we'll talk about it. Neither party considers that it's the moment. We had a meeting before Christmas because he had offers from the MLS."
Busquets has been in the Barcelona first team since 2008, making 707 appearances for the club, which puts him third on the all-time list behind Lionel Messi (778) and Xavi (767).
Matt Law
