Vilanova to return to Barcelona dugout: assistant

BARCELONA (AFP) –

Barcelona’s coach Tito Vilanova on December 4, 2012 in St Joan Despi, near Barcelona. Vilanova, who recently underwent surgery for cancer, should be in the dugout for the Liga derby match with Espanyol on Sunday says his assistant Jordi Roura.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova should be in the dugout for the Liga derby match with Espanyol on Sunday said his assistant Jordi Roura on Saturday.

Vilanova, 44, underwent cancer surgery for a second time on a tumour on a saliva gland on December 20 missing just one match, the away win over Valladolid.

“In principle, he (Vilanova) will be on the bench,” Roura said.

“Tito has still to undergo treatment, but he is well, he is full of courage and strength and that is what is important.”

Vilanova, who had undergone the previous operation in 2011, had guided Barcelona to their best start to a league campaign with 15 wins from 16 games prior to his cancer scare.