Tito Vilanova has received some encouraging news from the treatment table ahead of Barcelona's La Liga opener against Real Sociedad, as Carles Puyol has been given the medical all-clear following knee surgery. The veteran defender picked up the knock in the closing stages of the 2011-12 campaign, and underwent surgery on May 12 to correct an osteochondral injury in his right leg. Puyol consequently missed Spain's successful title defence at Euro 2012. However, he resumed regular training action again at the end of July after a two-month lay-off, and underwent medical tests on Monday to check on his recovery. The Barca skipper received good news from the club's medical staff as he has now been deemed fully fit once more. Barcelona open the 2012-13 league season at home against Sociedad on the weekend of August 18.