Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova returns to training after undergoing surgery

Barcelona have been handed a New Year boost as manager Tito Vilanova returned to training this morning just two weeks after undergoing surgery.

He suffered a recurrence of cancer in his saliva glands and temporarily stepped down from his post.

But Vilanova was pictured at the training ground ahead of Sunday's derby against Espanyol.


Club President Sandro Rosell had expected the coach to return to work in the middle of January. 

Barcelona went into the winter break in outstanding form, having dropped just two points in 17 league matches under Vilanova's stewardship after he succeeded Chelsea target Pep Guardiola in the summer.