David Villa has claimed that he would have made a full return from injury already if he were playing for a club other than Barcelona.

Despite making a successful return for Spain last week, the striker has yet to start a game for Barcelona this season but insists that his fitness is steadily improving.

Villa told reporters: "I'm feeling better every day and I'm keener than ever to have a great season, and to feel I'm a footballer again, and one that makes a difference for his team.

"I do feel physically 100% now though. If I hadn't I wouldn't have been available to be called up. I'm lacking match practice, because I've been out for eight months, but in any other team I would be back playing.

"It's just that Barcelona and the national team are so competitive, and my team mates are so good."

Villa broke his leg in the Club World Cup last December.