Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has claimed that "the best Christmas present possible" is the return of Lionel Messi, Victor Valdes and Xavi to full fitness.

All three have suffered with injury in recent weeks – in Messi's case since November – but the trio are expected to return to training after the winter break in Spain.

"The return of Messi, Valdes and also of Xavi is the best Christmas present possible. It is good that all the players are available to the coach and that we have more competition," Pique told reporters at a press conference.

"Leo is the best in the world. Whether he is there or not, he is influential, certainly. The team has coped in these few weeks that he has been absent, but he is the best and gives us a lot.

"To win things you need everyone well and more so if they are the best in the world. It's a no-brainer, we cannot hide from it. We are lucky to have him in our squad."

Barcelona currently top La Liga on goal difference.