The former PSV Eindhoven man has been sidelined since October when he suffered knee ligament damage.

Afellay is now back in training and closing on a return to action, and Guardiola was happy to see him back.

"This is big news for the team," said Guardiola.

Guardiola also confirmed that Eric Abidal's recovery is 'on track' following his liver surgery.

The France international defender, 32, underwent the operation on Tuesday, just over a year after having a tumour removed from his liver in March 2011.

"Everything's going well," Guardiola told reporters.

"The information we have is that everything is on track and he's not given us any scares. That's the best news."