Valdes (calf) has been cleared by Barcelona's medical staff and could play Sunday against Elche, Goal.com reports.

Jose Manuel Pinto has started in Valdes' place while he's been out. The No. 1 keeper has been out since November, but will likely return to the starting XI this weekend.

Valdes is hoping to return to the pitch in early January following a calf injury suffered in mid-November, the Associated Press reports.

It sounds like the club is hoping Valdes can be fit for its match against Elche on January 5. The 31-year old has publicly said he will leave Barcelona after this season, so any playing time he gets this year will be as a tryout for potential suitors, of which he'll likely have many.

Valdes suffered a calf injury during Tuesday's international friendly against South Africa and an MRI on Wednesday confirmed he has a torn muscle which will sideline him for at least six weeks, according to Sky Sports.

Valdes, who has been Barcelona's top keeper this year, announced his intentions to leave the club following this season. Jose Manuel Pinto is expected to start in his place while he recovers.

Valdes needed to make only one save during Saturday's 2-0 win over Almeria.

Valdes now has four clean sheets on the season, including two in his last three Liga matches.

Valdés made three saves en route to a clean sheet during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Malaga.

Valdés has recorded a clean sheet in each of Barca's Liga matches this year, making four saves over that time.