Victor Valdes expects to return for Barcelona in January

Spain: Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes says he expects to be ready to play by early January.

Valdes tore a muscle in his right calf playing a friendly for Spain at South Africa in November, and was ruled out for about six weeks.

Valdes says his recovery "has gone faster than we expected and according to the latest tests and how I feel I believe I am well."

He has targeted Barcelona's home match against Elche on January 5 to make his return.

Valdes, who has said on repeated occasions that he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires next summer, says he has not reached an agreement with another club.