Barca´s Afellay returns to training

Barcelona attacker Ibrahim Afellay has returned to the training pitch, following months in the stands with a knee injury.

Afellay, who can also play in midfield, damaged a cruciate ligament in his left knee during training in September, and underwent an operation which ensured him of a long-term layoff.

The former PSV star, and current Netherlands international, has now set foot on the training pitch again for the first time.

Barcelona revealed on their official website that the 25-year-old received a standing ovation from his team-mates, before performing a number of individual exercises.

It is not yet known when Afellay will resume regular squad training, but Barcelona are hopeful that he will be able to make his comeback before the end of the season and keep alive his hopes of making the Dutch squad for Euro 2012.