Listen to the article
Barcelona midfielder Arthur is back in training and could return to action before the end of the month. The Brazilian, who only joined the Blaugrana from Gremio last summer, has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie with rivals Real Madrid on February 6.
Related: Saville: Mikel Has Been Massive For Middlesbrough
The initial prognosis had been that the 22-year-old would be out of action for a month, but his return to training now means he has a realistic chance of featuring in the return leg against Real at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Arthur ‘s potential return would certainly be a timely one, with Barca also set to face Real in the league next weekend, but boss Ernesto Valverde insists he will not take any unnecessary risks with the midfielder. “I don’t yet know if Authur will be fit for the first El Clasico. He could play next week, but we will have to make a decision closer to the time,” Valverde told reporters.
Barcelona have work to do on Wednesday as the first leg at the Camp Nou ended 1-1 after forward Malcom cancelled out Lucas Vazquez’ early opener for Real.
