MALAGA, Spain - 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.
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