Barcelona has confirmed that Argentine defender Javier Mascherano has returned to the squad ahead of the La Liga clash against Sporting Gijon on Wednesday.

The Spanish giants currently occupy second place in the La Liga standing with 54 points and have won 16 out of 24 matches played so far this season.

Sporting Gijon sits in the bottom three of the table in 18th place with 17 points after 24 matches played, of which they only won four while suffering 15 defeats in the process.

Barca manager Luis Enrique has named the Argentinian in his 18-man squad after his recovery from injury, while there is no place in the squad for fit again Arda Turan, Aleix Vidal, and Jeremy Mathieu.

The Spanish giants have been boosted by the return of Javier Mascherano to the list after his injury layoff.

Meanwhile, Arda Turan has also been given the medical all clear, but is not among the names given out by the Asturian coach for the game against his hometown club.

Also missing out on a place in the squad, is the injured right back Aleix Vidal and defender Jeremy Mathieu, while goalkeeper Jordi Masip has also been left out.

Barcelona will now welcome Sporting Gijon to the Camp Nou when the two sides meet in the La Liga on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been set for 20:30.

Here is the full squad list:

Andre Ter Stegen, Jasper Cillessen, Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Denis Suarez, Andreas Iniesta, Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Rafinha, Mascherano, Paco Alcacer, Jordi Alba, Lucas Digne, Sergi Roberto, Andre Gomes and Samuel Umtiti.

Image Barcelona website