Barcelona Star Returns to Training After Injury Ahead of Saturday Clash With Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona full back Jordi Alba could make himself available for selection in time for the club's tough trip to Athletic Bilbao, after missing the last three games with an injury.

The Spanish international ​injured his thigh in a training session earlier this month, and has been absent for the fixtures against Olympiacos, Malaga and Murcia in the Copa del Rey. However, the player returned to training on Wednesday and is hopeful of being ready to feature at San Mames. 

Alba has featured in a total of 11 games so far this season but has been replaced by Lucas Digne while absent, and the French international has impressed. Manager Ernesto Valverde will now have a decision to make on who gets the starting place for the next game, with Valverde prepared for an emotional return to one of his former clubs.

The player was in and out of the Barcelona team last season under Luis Enrique, but has recently expressed that he's much happier under his new coach this season and it's taken him back to better times.

He said, via ​SPORT: "This year we're playing as a team. [All the players] are really involved. Valverde doesn't get involved in what happens in the dressing room; it reminds me of the first year I arrived here."