Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has welcomed the availability of Thomas Vermaelen.

The former Arsenal captain has not played for Barca since his summer arrival, but was given the green light by club doctors to join first team training this week.

Enrique said: "It's very good news for him and for the team.

"Now he needs to get into the right rhythm. Of course he'll help us, let's see whether that is on or off the pitch."