Sanchez set for Sevilla return

SEVILLA’S Sergio Sanchez has been cleared to play again after being sidelined for almost a year with a heart condition.

Sanchez was diagnosed with the condition in January and told to refrain from all physical activity. However, after a subsequent operation the 24-year-old defender has now been given permission to resume training.

Sanchez said: “It was a very hard road, long and full of obstacles, but I’ve been surrounded by the best people.

“Thanks to them today I have been given this news and I can celebrate Christmas in a totally different way from last year. The first thing I did was cry and hug my family. The doctor has given me his sincere congratulations and I exploded with joy.”

There will no doubt be a similar reaction throughout the club, which was stunned by the death of 22-year-old Spain international Antonio Puerta after he suffered a heart attack in a game against Getafe in August 2007. Espanyol captain Daniel Jarque also died after suffering a heart attack following a training session in August 2009.