Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has returned to training following a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The Spanish international suffered the complaint towards the end of last season, which subsequently ruled him out of Spain's Euro 2012 campaign.

However, having received treatment for two months, the 34-year-old has now begun light training away from his teammates.

It is expected that Puyol will undergo further tests tomorrow to determine whether he is fit enough to be part of the club's upcoming pre-season trip to Germany.

News of Puyol's return has arrived on the same day that Barca confirmed that they are keen to tie the centre-back down to a new contract.