Resurgent Villa a boost for Spain in qualifiers

The world and European champions' record marksman, with 53 goals in 86 appearances, broke his leg at the Club World Cup in December 2011 and struggled for goals and fitness after returning to action at the start of this season.

The 31-year-old Barcelona forward scored a fine goal in this month's Champions League comeback against AC Milan and struck again against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the weekend when he also assisted two goals for Lionel Messi.

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