Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has revealed his delight after returning to the fold in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
The French international had been out of action since November with a knee injury, but played the full 90 minutes as Los Blancos booked their spot in the final with a 5-0 aggregate victory.
"The knee has responded," Varane told reporters.
"I think it's good and I felt good. I am very happy after so long without playing. It's a joy.
"It's hard when you're not playing but I worked hard and now I'm back. I'll see how my knee responds to this match, see if there's any swelling tomorrow. Gradually I'll be back in full."
Varane joined Real Madrid from Lens in 2011.
No Data Analysis info
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic