Recovering Vilanova set for return to Barca training pitch

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova will take training today for the first time since undergoing treatment for cancer in the United States, his assistant Jordi Roura has confirmed.

Roura, who has been in charge of the team in Vilanova’s absence, said at a press conference that Vilanova would not attend tomorrow’s Primera Division match away to Celta Vigo.

Vilanova has spent the past two months in New York undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy following surgery on his parotid gland in December.

The 44-year-old had suffered a relapse after first having a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011.

His return is a boost to the runaway leaders, who hold a 13-point lead at the top of the table.