Villarreal finally see Pirès promise

Robert Pirès's nightmare start to his Villarreal CF career is over after he finally surfaced for the Yellow Submarine.

Knee injury
The French winger joined the Spanish club from Arsenal FC last summer but suffered a serious knee injury during a pre-season tournament. After a seven-month rehabilitation, the 33-year-old was a substitute for last night's home match against Real Sociedad de Fútbol, and came on in the 58th minute to help rescue a draw which extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

Moving up
When Pirès joined Villarreal, hopes were high of building on their UEFA Champions League semi-final of last season. Yet things did not go to plan, as injuries and an early European exit via the UEFA Intertoto Cup took their toll. The club appear to have turned the corner, and are within six points of sixth spot. It seems that Pirès could yet get the success he craves. "I came here because I want to triumph in Spanish football and one of my objectives is to play in the Champions League again as I did with Arsenal," he said.

Ayala arrival
While Europe's premier club competition is almost certainly out of the question for next season, Villarreal are heading in the right direction. As well as Pirés, Argentinian defender Gonzalo Rodríguez, a revelation last year, is also close to a first appearance of the season after suffering a similar knee injury. There is also the positive impact of Roberto Ayala's impending arrival in the summer with the experienced defender having already agreed to make the short trip from Valencia CF.

Cautious approach
Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini said: "Both Gonzalo and Robert are fit to play. My idea is for them to get into the rhythm of things little by little and let both contribute because they are important figures." With no game next weekend, there is every chance the pair could figure when Villarreal go to lowly Real Betis Balompié on Sunday week. A little further on the horizon is the visit of leaders FC Barcelona on 22 April. A perfect chance for a revitalised Yellow Submarine to show Europe they are sailing in the right direction again.