Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura has confirmed that Tito Vilanova will return to the bench in their derby match against Espanyol.
The Blaugrana boss has been recovering from cancer surgery and although he will still undergo further treatment, Roura says that he is ready to get back in the dugout.
"Tito will sit on the bench tomorrow against Espanyol," he told a press conference. "We still have to do the treatment and this is a longer process, but he is very strong and lively. His spirit is extraordinary."
Roura then went on to praise the impact that coach Javier Aguirre has had on Espanyol, saying that he expects a tough game.
"Matches against Espanyol always have an added difficulty because it is a derby, because there is a special motivation. But also, with Aguirre, Espanyol has undergone a change. This has been beneficial, because they have gone four games without defeat."
Roura also urged the team to remain focused, despite having a hefty lead at the top of the table.
"It's not over. There is a long way to go in the league, we're going game-by-game and trying to win them all. The team has already shown its mettle in adversity, as in Valladolid, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so," he added.
