Spanish La Liga leaders Barcelona announced that their Dutch winger Ibrahim Afellay has been cleared to play again after five months of absence due to injury.
"(Coach) Gerardo Martino has admitted he likes Afellay's game and that he could call on him for the remainder of the season," said a club statement Friday, reports Xinhua.
The 27-year-old Afellay, who has scored five goals in 44 international games for the Dutch national team, joined the Spanish giants from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 2011.
The thigh surgery he underwent five months ago was the second surgery after he arrived in Barcelona. Afellay had previously torn a ligament in his left knee in September 2011, with surgery then keeping him sidelined until April 2012.
He was loaned to German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 last season and scored two goals in ten appearances.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
