Defender, who had been tipped to return during Champions League ties with Arsenal, set to feature next Wednesday, with Guardiola not keen on rushing him back to action too soon

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For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here Barcelona have received an injury boost with the news that captain Carles Puyol could be back in action for next Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against arch rivals Real Madrid , according to El Mundo Deportivo.Head coach Pep Guardiola should be able to call upon the experienced defender again when his men take on Madrid, as the Spain international has recovered from his troublesome knee problem.The 33-year-old centre-back has been on the sidelines since January and has been working extensively on his recovery. He was initially expected to return to match action in the Champions League round of 16 tie with Arsenal, but the injury has kept him out of action longer than expected.Puyol is now almost ready to return, though, and is pushing to be included in the match squad for the first time in three months in the showpiece event at the Mestalla.Guardiola doesn't want to rush Puyol's comeback, and is therefore expected to keep the defender out of Saturday's match squad for the league game at the Santiago Bernabeu.