Coach Tito Vilanova, back after undergoing cancer treatment, will return to the bench for Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris St Germain tonight.
“He will be in the dugout with us,” Vilanova’s assistant Jordi Roura told a news conference on the eve of the game.
“He’s the coach and his comeback is extremely important for us,” added Roura, who has been in charge in his absence.
Vilanova flew back to Barcelona last Tuesday following two months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in New York.
Striker David Villa echoed Roura’s views by saying: "It's always easier when the boss is there with us.”
Barcelona will also have playmaker Xavi and defender Jordi Alba back after recovering from hamstring injuries sustained on international duty with Spain.
However, centre back Carles Puyol is out injured and versatile forward Pedro is suspended.
Roura said Barcelona would again rely on their usual slick-passing approach.
“We won’t change the way we play even though PSG are good on the counter-attack,” he explained. “We are used to playing against opponents who bank on defence but I don't think they will just wait in their half – they will try to do more than that.”
Roura said his team would have to be extra vigilant to cope with former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, top scorer in Ligue 1 this season with 25 goals.
“He’s a great player and we’ll have to keep an eye on him at all times,” added the assistant coach.
Barca, 13 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid in La Liga, had to come back from a 2-0 first-leg deficit to down AC Milan in the previous round of the Champions League.
Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, meanwhile, is set to open talks with David Beckham about extending his stay in the French capital.
Contribution
Beckham joined Carlo Ancelotti's side on a five-month deal in January, and his brief contribution has helped the capital club book a Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona as well as consolidate their position at the top of Ligue 1.
Beckham spoke of his happiness in Paris over the weekend and it now looks as though he will be given the opportunity to remain at the Parc des Princes next season.
Al-Khelaifi said in an interview with L'Equipe : "Recruiting David was one of my best decisions.
“As a man, player, ambassador, he is exceptional. It creates something in this group. Everyone loves it.
“We will talk with him. Whatever his decision, we support David.
“He is very happy in Paris. Frankly, we want to keep him with us next season.”
Beckham has started once and made four substitute appearances for PSG since signing and told Le Parisien on Saturday: "We'll see. Who wouldn't want to stay at a place like this?
“It’s very special but I’m not getting any younger so we’ll see how I feel at the end of the season. It’s always nice to be wanted.”
