Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has revealed that he is delighted with Eric Abidal's return from serious illness.

It was confirmed on Thursday that the 33-year-old Frenchman was available for first-team selection after a year on the sidelines following liver transplant surgery.

Puyol tweeted: "Today is the best news for Barcelonistas and football. Abidal has already been discharged. With him we are stronger."

Barca, who have a 12-point lead at the top of the La Liga table, host Sevilla at the Camp Nou on Saturday.