Higuain makes timely return for Real after back operation

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, who had been ruled out for the rest of the season after having back surgery in January, has been included in the club's squad to face Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Argentine international underwent the operation to treat a slipped disc that had sidelined him since the end of November at a hospital in Chicago on January 11. He returned to training last month.

"It looks like he made the right decision in having the operation in the United States. His recovery has gone very well. It has been a surprise," Real coach Jose Mourinho told a news conference on Friday.

"There may be up to 15 matches left to play this season and having him is important."

Higuain's return is good news for Real, who are without Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo due to injury.

The Argentine striker scored 27 league goals for Real last season, making him La Liga's second-most prolific scorer behind fellow Argentine Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

He joined Real in January 2007 from Argentine side River Plate.

Real are in second place in the league standings, five points behind leaders and defending champions Barcelona.