Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has admitted that his side are missing absent manager Tito Vilanova.

The 44-year-old boss has missed the last three months of the season after suffering a relapse of the cancer he was treated for in late 2011, but is nearing a return following successful chemo and radiotherapy treatments.

Busqets is keen to give Vilanova a lift by overturning the two-goal deficit in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with AC Milan next week.

"When the boss is not there, everyone misses him," Busquets told ESPN.

"His absence is noticed and the day-to-day work is more difficult. We all have to give a bit more. [Beating Milan] would be good for him, it would be really positive. But the most important, in the case of Tito or any colleague, is their health.

"The players are the first ones who believe in the comeback. It is clear we are coming from some negative results, but we are the first who think we are going to turn it around, that we have a final to play."

Busquets was speaking after being presented the 2012 Catalan Player of the Year award.