Two key Barcelona stars back in training, in contention for Athletic Club match

In a double boost for Barcelona, key defensive duo Joao Cancelo and Andreas Christensen have returned to training ahead of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Athletic Club, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Cancelo has been out since early January after picking up an injury against Las Palmas and has since missed five matches across all competitions for the Catalan heavyweights.

Meanwhile, Christensen suffered a minor discomfort during the last Copa del Rey clash against Unionistas which led to him being taken off at half-time.

While the Dane was never seriously injured, the discomfort led to him missing the previous match against Real Betis in La Liga.

Christensen to return vs Athletic Club. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the good news is that both Christensen and Cancelo are back in training today on the eve of the match against Athletic Club.

And, all signs point towards the pair being on the squad list for the trip to San Mames where the Catalan giants will be hoping to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

It remains to be seen if Xavi plans to put the pair right into the starting lineup or eases them back into action.

But Barcelona will continue to be without the services of Raphinha, Inigo Martinez, Gavi, Marcos Alonso, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the latter hoping to be back in two weeks’ time.