Del Horno broke his ankle just days before last summer's World Cup, and completed his transfer from Chelsea to Valencia while injured.

But a September return failed to materialize, and when the uncertainty refused to go away in October, club doctores decided to put him under the surgeon's knife.

Following a three-month recovery period, the Spaniard has finally returned to full training, handing Quique Sanchez Flores's in form Valencia yet another injury boost.

Meanwhile, Ruben Baraja and Jamie Gavilan also carried out specific training under the watchful eyes of the physiotherapists. Baraja is suffering from a cartilage injury and should return soon.

Gavilan, though, is still some distance from a return, after picking up that dreaded cruciate knee ligament injury at the start of the season. An April return is predicted.

Santi Canizares and Joaquin have both shaken off injuries picked up over the weekend's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid. Valencia take on Getafe on Saturday.

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