Speaking ahead of FC Barcelona’s first home game of the 2015-16 La Liga season against Malaga, manager Luis Enrique revealed that Neymar is fit to make the matchday squad after recovering from mumps.
The Brazilian superstar has been out of action for the past one month, missing FC Barcelona’s European and domestic Super Cup clashes against Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao respectively. He also missed the club’s opening day league win over Bilbao.
Neymar Recovers to make the matchday squad
However, manager Luis Enrique revealed that the former Santos man had recovered from mumps and is expected to start from the bench against Malaga.
“[Neymar] looks very good to me,” Luis Enrique said.
“He is almost recovered, but the normal situation of someone who has not played for two weeks.
“Nobody is at 100 percent at this stage. He has a special physical shape.
“Being light he gets fit quickly, and that opens up the possibility of playing tomorrow.
Busquets fit to start, Dani Alves ruled out
Enrique further announced that midfielder Sergio Busquets had recovered from the knock he picked up against Athletic Bilbao last Sunday and is fit to start this weekend.
On Busquets, Enrique said, “”First off [Busquets] has been able to train since Thursday, and he looks very good to me.”
“But tomorrow we will decide how he is”, he added.
However, Brazilian right back Dani Alves was ruled out of this weekend’s action by Enrique. Barcelona Youngster Sergi Roberto is expected to fill in for Alves at the right back position with regulars Adriano Correia and Douglas out injured.
“If you play one position it can be hard to get it perfect, so imagine when you change,” said the Barcelona boss.
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“[Sergi Roberto] is a useful all-rounder for a coach — he can play very well at holding midfield, full-back and central midfielder.
“He has some things to improve on, but he is capable of doing that.
FC Barcelona will be hoping to build upon their winning start in the league when they face Malaga on Saturday at the Camp Nou.