Malaga's Baptista returns after 16-month absence

MALAGA, Spain (AP) -Forward Julio Baptista is back in the Malaga squad for the first time in 16 months after recovering from a long-term right foot injury.

The 31-year-old Brazilian hasn't played since the start of Oct. 2011, when he injured his foot. He underwent surgery two months later to remove a bone fragment.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini says "Baptista is an important reinforcement for the team.''

Malaga is fourth in the Spanish league and through to the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

Pellegrini also says that the transfer of defender Nacho Monreal to Arsenal was "lamentable'' for the team.