Barca receive Pique boost ahead of Glasgow trip

FC Barcelona received a timely boost to their squad ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash away to Glasgow Celtic with the news that defender Gerard Pique is once again fit to play. The Spain international has been sidelined for almost seven weeks and has missed a total of nine matches with an ankle injury, which has taken longer than expected to heal. Pique had appeared to be on the verge of full fitness ahead of the "Clasico" against Real Madrid in mid-October, but his return to fitness has dragged on for a further three weeks. His return has come at the right moment, given that Adriano Correia has just been ruled out of action for three weeks with a groin problem, while Carles Puyol is still not back after dislocating his elbow last month. A win in Glasgow will assure Barca's place in the last 16 of the Champions League and Tito Vilanova's side will be in high spirits after the 3-1 win at home to Celta Vigo at the weekend which confirmed the side's best ever start to a domestic season in Spain. Barca have 28 points from a possible 30 and enjoy a three point lead over Atletico Madrid and an eight point gap over Real Madrid in the BBVA Primera Liga table. However, Vilanova would be well-advised not to underestimate Celtic, despite the Scottish team's surprise 2-2 draw at home to Dundee United at the weekend. The Scottish Champions led 1-0 in the Camp Nou in their first meeting two weeks ago and were only beaten by a late Jordi Alba goal which came in injury time at the end of the game. Meanwhile Celtic looked rapid on the break and caused Barca's central defense, which in that game was made up Mark Barta and Javier Mascherano, no end of trouble. With Sergio Busquets still suspended after being sent off against Benfica, Pique's return will give some much-needed height to the Barca team and he could find himself straight in the side partnering the impressive Bartra in the back four. Vilanova could give winger Christian Tello a chance in attack, where Leo Messi will once again lead the line despite becoming a father on Friday. Celtic Park is always a difficult ground to visit, but Barca will hope that Celtic's need for points in front of their own fans will lead them to leave more spaces in defense than in Barcelona, and that could play straight into the Catalans' hands.