Fabregas cleared to play against Sevilla

Barcelona: Barcelona says midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been cleared to play in Saturday's home match against Sevilla after recovering from a right thigh injury.

Fabregas was injured during training earlier this month and missed Barcelona's victories against Sporting Gijon and Racing Santander in the Spanish league, Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League and two matches for Spain.

He scored five goals in his first nine matches for Barcelona after signing from Arsenal.

Despite resuming training on Monday, Fabregas is unlikely to start against Sevilla because of competition from Spain teammates Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara.

Barcelona say Gerard Pique, Alexis Sanchez and Ibrahim Afellay remain sidelined.