Roura: Vilanova will return against Malaga

The Barcelona assistant has confirmed the club's head coach will be back in charge on Sunday, following the 44-year-old's return from a medical appointment in the United States

Jordi Roura has revealed Tito Vilanova will make his return to the dug-out against Malaga on Sunday.

The Barcelona coach was diagnosed with a cancer relapse in late December, and spent three weeks recuperating from surgery and relevant treatments.

"Tito will be back against Malaga. He is very strong and lively, and it is good for everyone," Roura told reporters. "He is our coach, and his presence always gives us an important boost.

"We are aiming to keep up the intensity we have shown to this point, always playing our game at this level."

Sunday's opponents, Malaga, began the season cash-strapped and with ownership issues, but have risen to fourth in the Primera Division, a feat Roura believes should be respected.

"It is true Malaga had some financial problems, but [Manuel] Pellegrini is doing an extraordinary job. They are a difficult and complicated opponent, one which has conceded the fewest goals in the league," he praised.

"According to statistics, it is inevitable that we will eventually lose, but for now we are just concentrating on Sunday's game, with complete focus and without thinking further."