TEAM NEWS: Xavi passed fit to face AC Milan

21/02/2013 5:38:00 AM

The Spain international has recovered from his hamstring injury to make the starting XI for the Catalans, meanwhile Giampaolo Pazzini comes in for Mario Balotelli for the hosts

Barcelona have been boosted by the return of Xavi to the starting XI for their trip to face AC Milan in the Champions League at San Siro on Wednesday evening.

The vice-captain of the Catalan outfit has been missing for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, but has shook off his knock to feature in the match in Italy from the start.

Interim coach Jordi Roura has named a strong starting line-up for the first leg of the European tie. Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are the the first-choice central defensive pairing, with Dani Alves and Jordi Alba featuring alongside.

Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas make up the midfield trio with Xavi, while Pedro and Andres Iniesta are the men partnering Lionel Messi in attack.

AC Milan will be frustrated that they cannot call upon Mario Balotelli this evening. The new signing for the Rossoneri is cup-tied as he featured for Manchester City in the group stage prior to his transfer in January. Giampaolo Pazzini comes in to replace him alongside Stephan El Shaarawy up front.

Kevin Prince-Boateng plays in a more advanced role just behind the strikers, with Riccardo Montolivo, Massimo Ambrosini, and Sulley Muntari sitting in midfield.

AC Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Zapata, Constant; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Muntari; Boateng; Pazzini, El Shaarawy.

Subs: Amelia, De Sciglio, Yepes, Traore, Christante, Niang, Krkic.

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

Subs: Pinto, Mascherano, Montoya, Thiago, Song, Sanchez, Tello