Barcelona midfielder Iniesta returns to training

Barcelona's Andres Iniesta is using the Christmas break to return to full fitness, according to Barcelona daily Sport.

The influential playmaker missed out on the Club World Cup final after suffering an injury against Atlante, but could be in line to return to action against Villarreal on Jan. 2.

However, it is unlikely that he will start at Camp Nou on that date, instead being introduced as a substitute for a gradual return to action.

Iniesta will continue with moderate fitness training until the Dec. 29 of December, at which point he should reach full running speed.