Barcelona travel to San Sebastian in la Liga

FC Barcelona Carles Puyol is in with the chance of making a return to action as his side visits Real Sociedad's Anoeta Stadium this Saturday. Puyol has been out of action with a calf problem since the spring and his return to the squad is welcome news for coach Pep Guardiola, who is still without Gerard Pique due to a hamstring strain. Thursday saw Guardiola awarded the Medal of Honor from the Catalan Parliament in recognition for his work at the club, where in just over three years, he has won more titles than any other Barcelona coach in history. Barcelona have worked their way into this season, winning the Spanish Supercup and defeating Porto to lift the European Supercup. The improved fitness of Guardiola' s team was evident as they kicked off the BBVA Primera Liga campaign with a 5-0 win at home to Villarreal. Guardiola will no doubt be worried that the international break has seen players such as Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano travel half way around the world to play for their countries, and he will remember that their only home defeat last season (against Hercules), came at a similar stage in the competition. Messi and Mascherano will almost certainly start the game with the main question being whether Eric Abidal or Sergio Busquets will play alongside Mascherano in central defense. Real Sociedad meanwhile kicked off the season with a 2-1 win away to Sporting Gijon, although the Basque side will be without defender Carlos Martinez, who was sent off in that win. They will rely on skilful winger, Xabi Prieto and youngster Asier Illaramendi, who has been promoted into the first team squad after impressive displays with the Real Sociedad B-team. The match will see some old friends renew their acquaintances on different sides. Recent Barcelona signing Alexis Sanchez will be looking to score past his team-mate from the Chilean national side, Claudio Bravo, who is Real Sociedad goalkeeper. Meanwhile Cesc Fabrigas and Carlos Vela were companions at Arsenal last season, but now Fabrigas has moved to Barca, while Vela is on loan with Real Sociedad. On paper Barcelona are clear favorites to take all three points, but they will not have forgotten that Real Sociedad were one of the few teams to beat them last season and Guardiola will be keen to avoid a repeat show.