Valencia´s Silva returns after three month absence

      MADRID (AFP) - Valencia midfielder David Silva, who has been sidelined for over three months due to an ankle injury that required surgery, has been called up for the club's match at home Saturday against Espanyol.

      The 22-year-old, one of the best players in Spain's European championship winning squad this year, was operated on his left ankle in mid-September, one month after he picked up the injury.

      "I am feeling fine even though I am probably missing match fitness at the moment. But whether I play will depend on the coach, of course," he told sports daily Marca earlier on Friday.

      "I will be back to the way I was before the injury, if not better and I cannot wait to be able to help the team again," he added.

      Silva sparked interest from clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona after his strong performance at Euro 2008 but decided to stay with cash-strapped Valencia where he is under contract until 2013.