Villa cleared to play for Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona’s team doctor has said striker David Villa has recovered from a broken leg. Ramon Cugat said Tuesday that Villa has “recovered from the injury but he is still not 100 percent ready.” The Spain striker had been sidelined since undergoing surgery on his left leg in December. Villa still needs time to get into playing shape, with Barcelona’s first competitive game against Real Sociedad on Aug. 19 in the Spanish league. Barcelona struggled without the 30-year-old forward last season, although Spain managed to retain the European Championship title. — AFP