Barcelona boss Xavi confirms double fitness boost for Atletico Madrid clash

Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that both Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso are set to return to the squad for Sunday evening's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid.

Torres has been out since the end of January with a hamstring injury, while Alonso has not been available since the end of November due to a back problem.

However, both have stepped up their recoveries in recent weeks, and Xavi has said that the duo are set to return to the squad for the league game against Atletico at Wanda Metropolitano.

"Tomorrow we will give the list. Both will be available for the squad, if nothing changes," the Barcelona head coach told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

Alonso has only made seven appearances for Barcelona this season, but Torres has featured 32 times, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in the process.

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The Catalan outfit will still be missing four players against Atletico, with Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde unavailable for selection.

"Hopefully he will recover soon, we are positive. When he's 100% and has a good feeling, he'll be available again," added Xavi when asked about De Jong's fitness.

"Tomorrow is a vital game, like the rest that are left. They are very strong, especially at home. They've been doing very well in recent years. It's a really difficult game.

"We're in good shape, so are they. It's a ground where Atletico haven't lost in the league since we went there last season. Hopefully, we'll have a good game.

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"Both teams are in very good spirits. Confidence is high. They had an important physical war and have had a day's rest less. We'll see. Our idea and mentality won't change, we're going for the three points."

Xavi also confirmed that he is involved in Barcelona's plans for next season despite the fact that he will be standing down as head coach this summer.

"I participate because I love this club. My decision doesn't change and I try to help as much as possible. I'm a club man, whatever I can do to help, I'll do it," he added.

Barcelona are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and they will enter Sunday's clash off the back of a 3-1 win in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League contest, which saw them advance to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 4-2 success.