Cancer-op Barca boss back on the touchline

Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura said yesterday that the manager “has surprised us all recovering so quickly. In theory, he will be on the bench” for Barcelona’s home game against local rivals Espanyol.

Vilanova had surgery on 20 December to remove a second tumour in two years. He had the first surgery in 2011 while serving as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. Then, he returned to work in 15 days. Roura said that Vilanova is continuing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Vilanova only missed one match due to his illness. Barcelona lead the Spanish league by nine points.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho yesterday spoke about the need for competition in the squad when he was asked about the possible return to the starting line-up of goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas against Real Sociedad.

Mourinho stirred up controversy when he dropped Spain’s No.1 and played reserve Antonio Adan for the last La Liga game away at Malaga in December, when the champions lost 3-2.

“To be permanently in the comfort zone isn’t good for players,” Mourinho said ahead of their return to action today at home. “All positions on the pitch are about confidence, it is fundamental for all the players, not only for the keepers.

Real, who are third, trail second-place Atletico Madrid by seven points and Barca by 16.