Carles Puyol delighted with Eric Abidal return

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has revealed that he is delighted with Eric Abidal's return from serious illness.

It was confirmed on Thursday that the 33-year-old Frenchman was available for first-team selection after a year on the sidelines following liver transplant surgery.

Puyol tweeted: "Today is the best news for Barcelonistas and football. Abidal has already been discharged. With him we are stronger."

Barca, who have a 12-point lead at the top of the La Liga table, host Sevilla at the Camp Nou on Saturday.