Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has said that Gerard Pique is in "perfect" condition despite being left out of the latest Spain squad.
Pique has previously said that he wants to become one of the world's best defenders again after a dip in form, but Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has left him out of his first squad since their World Cup group stage exit.
"Gerard Pique picked up a minor hip injury, an injury which prevented him from being in perfect condition last Sunday," Enrique told reporters.
"It kept hassling him but, since last week, I've seen him in very good condition. He's looking perfect. Was he not called up to the Spain squad because of the knock? Well he trained normally this week and can play tomorrow.
"I like it that Pique said he wants to become one of the best centre-backs in the world again, for my players to have personal challenges."
Barcelona travel to Villarreal in La Liga action on Sunday.
Benjamin Topliss
