MADRID (AFP) - Cancer-battling Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova will be back in charge for Sunday's trip to Malaga, assistant coach of La Liga leaders, Jordi Roura, said on Saturday.

Vilanova, who has undergone treatment for cancer of the salivary gland, missed the midweek Spanish Cup win over Cordoba when he flew to New York to seek a second opinion on his illness.

"Tito will be on the bench against Malaga," said Roura. "He is the chief coach of Barcelona and his presence gives courage to everybody. It's important that he is there."