FC Barcelona Welcomes Back Manager Tito Vilanova After Cancer Treatment

FC Barcelona have confirmed that Tito Vilanova will be returning to Spain this week after completing radiation treatment in New York. The manager had to leave the bench, communicating with his squad from the United States via the internet and mobile phone only

Assistant Jordi Roura, who had been the man in charge in Vilanova's absence, said he would be overjoyed to return the reins to Vilanova, not because he did not feel up to the task, but because it would be a sign of Vilanova's improved health.

Details are as of yet not forthcoming, though the word is Vilanova would be in charge of tomorrow's training and be back in the coaches' bench for the upcoming match against Celta de Vigo.

Meanwhile, Eric Abidal continues his recovery from a liver tumor, having played a friendly match with Barcelona B during the international break. It's been a period of great news all around in Catalonia.

"The best news," said Barca's president Sandro Rosell. "Better than the comeback against Milan. The human side should come before the sporting side."

For a moment, we can push aside the teamsheets, stats, and controversies, and just be happy that Vilanova's health has made such an improvement.