MADRID, Nov 24 — Injury-ravaged Barcelona will be bolstered by the return of Xavi Hernandez for their Champions League visit to Ajax on Tuesday, but will be without full-back Adriano.

The Brazilian suffered a twisted ankle in yesterday’s 4-0 win over Granada that saw the Catalans maintain their three-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Xavi missed that game due to a hamstring strain but took part in training today and will travel with the squad to Amsterdam.

Coach Gerardo Martino is still without the services of Lionel Messi, Victor Valdes, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves.

However, the four-time European champions have already sealed their place in the last-16 of this year’s competition and need just a point from their remaining two games to guarantee finishing top of Group H. — AFP