Chapecoense plane crash survivor Alan Ruschel heroically returns to football ahead of Barcelona friendly
The defender, who survived the tragedy last November, is making a remarkable comeback for the Brazilian outfit
ALAN RUSCHEL will make his return to football in a pre-season friendly against the La Liga giants Barcelona next month.
The defender is set to continue his career with Chapecoense, after surviving the plane crash that killed 71 people last November.
The player will return for his team at the Camp Nou, when Chapecoense take on Barcelona on August, 7.
The defender suffered a back injury following the tragedy, but he has recovered well.
A statement published on the said: "Alan's return represents an important step in his recovery and in the process of rebuilding the squad.
"Considering the magnitude of this match against a great Spanish team, in one of the temples of world football, we recognise that the game represents the ideal occasion for his return."
This fixture traditionally serves as an official unveiling of Barca's new squad, but this time the focus will no doubt be on Ruschel.
Chapecoense tragically lost 19 players as their plane crashed in Colombia on their way to the Copa Sudamericana final.
The plane was carrying the Brazilian squad, a number of journalists and technical commission.
Ruschel was among just six survivors of the crash.
Defender Neto survived, while goalkeeper Jakson Follmann had to have part of his leg amputated.
