Ivan Rakitic cleared to return to action for Copa del Rey final

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been medically cleared to return to action after undergoing surgery on a broken finger.

The Croatia international was forced to sit out games against Valencia and Celta Vigo while recovering from the minor procedure.

Rakitic, who sustained the injury in Barca's 3-0 loss to Roma nine days ago, is now in contention to face former club Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final this weekend.

A short statement on Barcelona's official Twitter page confirmed the news, boosting Ernesto Valverde's midfield options for the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Rakitic was among those involved in training on Thursday afternoon, with La Masia product Carles Alena also being used.