Barcelona centre back Carlos Puyol wants to celebrate his return to the team after a lengthy injury lay off with victory in this weekend’s El Classico.

The veteran defender had not played for 7 months following surgery on his knee but returned in Barcelona’s 0-0 draw with Osasuna last weekend playing the full 90 minutes.

After Gerard Pique picked up a hamstring strain against AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, Puyol may be set for another start against Barcelona’s bitter rivals, Real Madrid.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday October 24, Puyol said “I am happy to be back with the team. It has been 7 difficult months but now I am back. I am happy and looking forward to play.”

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga after 9 games, with a 3 point cushion over Madrid who are back in third. They could strike an early blow in the title race if they beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

“I think we have the chance to play a good match,” said Puyol. “Whatever happens, the league is not going to be determined after this match, there is still a lot to do. But it is a good opportunity to play well and get a sense of what we are going to face in the next months.

“Real Madrid is always a demanding team. They have very good players and they are improving a lot. They are confident and we will need to be on top to win. We will also have to be aware of their counterattack as they are very fast. We know them very well but we will have to play a very good match if we want to win.’’

“It is not a different match. But it is a top team to play against. Two of the best teams in the world playing and it has a bigger impact. Everyone talks about it before it takes place and afterwards too. But in the end it is only a football match, we get 3 points if we win it, but the impact is bigger.”

The draw against Osasuna was the first time Barcelona have dropped points this season.