Gerard Pique closing on Barcelona return

Experienced centre-back Gerard Pique is expected to be available for Barcelona's next match with Malaga on November 19 after overcoming an ankle problem.

Pique has missed Barcelona's last five matches in all competitions after spraining his ankle in the Champions League clash with Manchester City at Camp Nou last month.

However, the 29-year-old has revealed that he is close to fitness after posting the message "I'm back" on a video which cropped up on Barcelona's official Twitter page on Tuesday afternoon.

Pique, who will miss Spain's next two international fixtures, returned to Barcelona from Manchester United in 2008 and has won six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during his second spell at the Spanish club.