Jordi Alba close to Barcelona return

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba will reportedly join the rest of his teammates for a full training session later this week.

The Spanish international, who has missed the majority of the season with a succession of hamstring injuries, has not played competitive football for Barca for over a month.

The 24-year-old returned to individual training last week, but according to reports in Spain, the defender will step up his recovery later this week.

It had been suggested that Alba would not return until 2014, but it is believed that he will be available for selection before the winter break in Spain.