Gerard Pique targeting El Clasico return after latest injury

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has revealed he plans to be back in action in time to face Real Madrid on April 10.

Pique has been battling knee injuries all season and only recently made it back after a lengthy layoff. He managed five more appearances before going down with yet another problem in the Copa del Rey semi-final and has since missed Barça's last four matches in all competitions.

He has featured in just 15 matches since the start of the season, but as noted by Marca, El Clasico could end up being his 16th.

Pique returned to full training on Wednesday and he hopes to continue testing his fitness over the coming week. An appearance against Real Valladolid on Monday has not been ruled out, although neither Pique nor the club's medical staff are prepared to take any unnecessary risks.

"I will try to be there against Real Madrid," Pique told TV3. "I'm taking it day by day. I'm trying to get better as soon as possible, not only to face Real."

With Pique out injured and Ronald Araujo only recently returning from an ankle problem, Barcelona have found clean sheets hard to come by - although that's not to say they haven't looked solid defensively.

Manager Ronald Koeman's switch to a back three has rejuvenated Barcelona in recent weeks, bringing about impressive performances at both ends of the field. They are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and conceding just four.

"The state of mind greatly influences victories," Pique said of Barça's recent resurgence. "Confidence is essential. Talent is basic, but the jump is made by other factors."

Koeman will know Barcelona must be at their best against Real, with both side still in the hunt for another La Liga title. The Catalan giants currently sit four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, with Real only two points behind La Blaugrana.

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