Iniesta declared fit ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona will have the luxury of selecting Andres Iniesta ahead of El Clasico, after manager Luis Enrique confirmed the midfielder will be available to play his first match in over a month.

Iniesta damaged knee ligaments last month, but successfully returned to training Friday in preparation for the Dec. 3 encounter against Real Madrid.

Despite Enrique's confirmation, Barcelona has yet to receive the all-clear by its club doctor. However, Enrique added that if Iniesta was not suspended, the Spanish midfielder would likely be included Wednesday when Barca takes on Hercules in the Copa del Rey.

"He will not play tomorrow as he is suspended, otherwise, he would have had some game time," Enrique said.

The manager insisted his side needs to play better, following Barcelona's disappointing 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, a result the leaves the Catalans six points back of Liga leaders Real Madrid.

"It's obvious that we need to improve, that we need more consistent but I don't see any signs to worry me too much," he told reporters, as translated by Reuters.

"The team is well and we got a point at La Real. We are still favourites to win all the titles but it's clear that we have to improve."

Barcelona will have a chance to cut into its deficit during the season's first El Clasico at Camp Nou, and to snap a poor run of league form that's seen the club drop points in its last two fixtures.

However, it's unclear what kind of role Iniesta will play, considering the knee injury - sustained Oct. 22 against Valencia - forced him to miss Barcelona's last eight matches.

But Enrique's comments suggest Iniesta should be back to normal after returning to training ahead of schedule.