Carles Puyol has returned to the Barcelona starting lineup for this evening's Champions League clash against AC Milan in the San Siro.

The centre-back, who will captain the Catalan outfit, will play alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the defence.

Elsewhere, Pedro has been preferred to Alexis Sanchez, while Cesc Fabregas will play in an advanced midfield role.

Hosting Milan are without January signing Mario Balotelli, who is cup-tied because of his participation earlier in the competition with Manchester City.

As a result, Stephan El Shaarawy will be partnered Giampaolo Pazzini in attack.

AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Muntari, Boateng; Pazzini, El Shaarawy

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Fabregas, Pedro, Messi