Alves set to return for Barca in Russia

Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves has returned to the squad to face Russia's Rubin Kazan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

MADRID, November 2, 2009 (AFP) - Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves has returned to the squad to face Russia's Rubin Kazan in the Champions League on Wednesday after two weeks out injured, the club said.

Alves injured his right thigh during Barca's shock 2-1 home defeat to the Russian champions on October 20.

He had been expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, but on Monday was allowed to resume training.

"The Brazilian international has made a speedy recovery in just 13 days from an injury that initially looked set to keep him out for three weeks," the Spanish and European champions said in a statement. "He will therefore be available for the match against Kazan."

The Barca squad leaves Monday for Wednesday's Group F encounter in the Russian city of Kazan, where sub-zero temperatures and strong winds are awaiting them.