PARIS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Lyon forward Karim Benzema is expected to return to field for Wednesday's Champions League last 16, second leg away to Barcelona.

    The French striker has been in stable recovery from a hip injury, coach Claude Puel said.

    "He's doing well," Puel told a news conference at the Nou Camp." We are optimistic he'll be able to play and we'll see how he is after training later."

    The first leg at Stade Gerland was a 1-1 draw.