David Villa expects ‘no easy’ game against Spartak Moscow

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Published time: September 13, 2012 14:07
Edited time: September 13, 2012 18:07

Just days before the start of their Champions League campaign Barcelona has lost their star midfielder Andres Iniesta due to a leg injury. The return of striker David Villa comes in handy.

Villa is back in action after being sidelined for more than eight months with a broken leg. The 30 year-old has yet to start a game for the Catalans this season as he has struggled to regain his place in the starting line-up, but Spain's all-time leading scorer could be set for his first start of the season against Spartak Moscow in next Tuesday's Champions League tie.

"I have not watched Spartak Moscow, but Unai Emery [the club’s current head coach] is a coach who I have affection for. He helped me very much like the others that I've worked with,” Villa said.

“Of course, I wish him luck in his new project. I will be very happy to see him again, but obviously after the match we would like to have all three points,” Villa said before adding: “It will be difficult for sure. He is a great coach, he loves the profession and works hard. Certainly he is doing a great job and the match will not be easy."

While Villa is set to return to the pitch, Barcelona’s other star, recently named UEFA's Best Player in Europe Andres Iniesta, will have to miss the next couple of weeks due to a pulled muscle, which means he won’t help the Catalans in their debut Champions League game this season.