Barcelona striker David Villa has said that he is extremely optimistic about his chances for returning in time to the first-team action for the Euro 2012.

The Euro 2012, which is going to be held in Ukraine and Poland this summer, is one of the major tournaments. Even though Villa has won both the European championships and the FIFA World Cup, the Barcelona striker says that he is hungry to win even more international trophies.

The Spanish international suffered a fracture to his tibia while playing for Barcelona in the Club World Cup in Japan. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season, but there is a slight chance he could return to the Spanish national team in time for the Euro 2012.

David Villa, who is now undergoing his rehabilitation process, has also spoken with confidence about his ability to return in time for this major tournament. So far, the 30-year-old striker has made 15 appearances for Barcelona and has scored nine goals in the same.

There were reports that David Villa would consider his future at Barcelona in the January transfer window, with English club Liverpool being mooted as a possible destination. However, the injury has meant that any possible move collapsed even before it could begin.

“I went to the clinic last Friday to have two screws withdrawn from my leg. Everything went perfectly. When I got injured, I said that it was my goal to make Euro 2012 and help Barcelona at the end of the season. And I am getting more optimistic about it every day as it’s going very well,” David Villa said in a recent interview.

According to the up to date Euro 2012 odds, Spain are the firm favourites to win the tournament.

The absence of Villa from the first team has meant that Barcelona are struggling for goals up front, despite the presence of Lionel Messi.