Andres Iniesta returns to Barcelona training ahead of La Liga clash with Villarreal

Andres Iniesta could return to action when Villarreal visit Barcelona on Saturday (6 May), with the club captain pictured back in the training session on Wednesday. The news is a major boost for manager Luis Enrique ahead of another decisive encounter in the Catalans' battle with Real Madrid for La Liga.

The 32-year-old midfielder has made just 33 appearances this season, the victim of a number of different injury concerns since the beginning of campaign.

Luis Enrique has tried to rotate the Barcelona captain in an attempt to keep him fresh for the run-in.

The Spain international played the full 90 during the recent 3-2 win over Real Madrid before being dropped to the bench for the subsequent 7-1 victory against Osasuna.

However, Iniesta is still struggling and missed the 3-0 victory over Espanyol at the weekend after the club revealed he had suffered a new muscle blow.

It looks as though the latest injury was only minor as the captain returned for Wednesday's training session with the rest of his teammates as the Catalans begin preparations for the visit of Villarreal.

"All available first-team players took part in the session, along with Barça B duo Marlon Santos and Carles Aleñá. The good news from the camp was that Andrés Iniesta was back on the field after missing the game against Espanyol due to a minor leg injury," Barcelona confirmed through their official website.

Iniesta could thus be available to help his side in the final three games of La Liga as the Catalans continue their ferocious battle with Real Madrid. Barcelona currently lead the table thanks to their head-to-head-record –but Los Blancos still have a game in hand.

Barcelona are yet to provide any update on Jeremy Mathieu after the France centre-back missed recent games due to injury.