TEAM NEWS: Falcao fit to face Barcelona in crunch Camp Nou clash

17/12/2012 6:08:00 AM

The Colombian has shaken off a minor muscle injury to make the starting XI of Diego Simeone's side, as they taken on the Catalans in a top-of-the-table encounter

Radamel Falcao has managed to recover from a minor muscle injury to make Atletico Madrid’s starting line-up for the crunch clash with Barcelona on Sunday evening.

The Colombian was a doubt for the match at Camp Nou due to a muscle tweak in his leg, but has been passed fit to face the Catalans.

Another massive boost for los Colchoneros is the return of defender Miranda to the starting XI. The Brazilian has served his one-match ban and slots in at the back alongside Diego Godin.

Tito Vilanova has opted to hand a start to Adriano at right-back for Barcelona. Martin Montoya has deputised in defence for the injured Dani Alves in recent weeks but the former Sevilla man has been given the nod.

A first-choice midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta start the match and there is also a place for Alexis Sanchez on the left-hand side of the attacking front-three. Pedro and Lionel Messi join him up top.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Adriano, Pique, Puyol, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro.

Subs: Pinto, Alves, Mascherano, Thiago, Villa, Tello, Song.

Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe; Suarez, Gabi; Arda, Koke, Diego Costa; Falcao.

Subs: Asenjo, Cata Diaz, Manquillo, Tiago, Emre, Raul Garcia, Adrian.