Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has been given the all-clear to resume playing after nearly seven months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old Netherlands international underwent surgery in early October after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training.

A Barça statement read: "Ibrahim Afellay received the news that he's been eagerly awaiting for most of the season this Wednesday afternoon.

The player is back in Josep Guardiola's team ahead of the most decisive stretch of the season.
Barcelona club statement

 

"The club's medical services gave the Dutchman medical clearance to play after being injured for six months and 21 days. The player is back in Josep Guardiola's team ahead of the most decisive stretch of the season."

The player stepped up his recovery on 18 March by leaving his individual rehabilitation plan and resuming training with his Barça teammates.

Afellay, who joined Barça from PSV Eindhoven in January 2011, had only just got back into Pep Guardiola's line-up when he picked up the injury, after missing the start of the Primera Division season due to a hamstring injury.

He will be back in contention for the run-in, with the Catalan club battling for trophies on three fronts.

They are hot on the heels of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, set to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals later this month and looking forward to a Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao in May.