Vilanova to return to Barca bench

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is set to be back in the dugout for the first time since undergoing cancer surgery.

The 44-year-old received treatment for a second time on a tumor on a saliva gland on December 20, missing just one match, the away win over Valladolid.

And ahead of the Liga derby match with Espanyol on Sunday, assistant coach Jordi Roura said: "In principle, Vilanova will be on the bench.

"Tito has still to undergo treatment, but he is well, he is full of courage and strength and that is what is important."

Vilanova, who had undergone the previous operation in 2011, had guided the Spanish giants to their best start to a league campaign with 15 wins from 16 games prior to his cancer scare.