David Villa’s return to something close to his best is good news for Spain as they prepare for their World Cup Group I qualifiers against Finland and France.

The world and European champions’ record marksman, with 53 goals in 86 appearances, broke his leg at the Club World Cup in December 2011 and struggled for goals and fitness after returning to action at the start of this season.

The 31-year-old Barcelona forward scored a fine goal in this month’s Champions League comeback against Milan and struck again against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

“The change in Villa is the joy, the optimism he exudes at the moment,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said.

“Fortunately he has recovered and we have the best goal scorer in Spanish football back.

“He felt a bit sidelined because he wasn’t playing as much but you have to take into account that he was coming back from a serious injury.

“I hope that now he will give us what we expect of him.”