Monreal back for Malaga after 2-month absence

MALAGA, Spain (AP) -Spain defender Nacho Monreal has returned to Malaga's squad for the first time since injuring his back in early October.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini included Monreal in his squad for Saturday's game against Granada at La Rosaleda stadium.

The 25-year-old Monreal has played in 11 games this season for Malaga, his second with the Costa del Sol club.

Malaga is in fifth place in the Spanish league and has reached the knockout phase of the Champions League in its first appearance.