Neymar nears Barcelona comeback, could feature against Leon

Neymar nears Barcelona comeback, could feature against Leon

Published Aug. 14, 2014 8:50 a.m. ET

Neymar could make his eagerly-awaited return to action in Barcelona's preseason clash with Leon on Monday.

The 22-year-old attacker has been sidelined since the quarterfinal stage of this summer's World Cup, when the Brazil star picked up a back injury which ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.

Neymar is believed to be optimistic about his chances of featuring in the Joan Gamper trophy clash with Mexican side Leon next week, when Barca plays at Camp Nou under new coach Luis Enrique for the first time.

Indeed, the Catalans have confirmed that the Brazilian is working with the first team and is close to making his comeback.

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"Although he has yet to be given a clean bill of health by club doctors, Neymar completed a full session under Luis Enrique this evening, as the squad had their second session of the day," Barca said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The Brazilian has been gradually getting up to speed with the rest of the players since reporting back for duty with the back injury he picked up at the World Cup."

Neymar will not train on Thursday - along with most of his teammates, due to doubling up with training sessions over the past few days - but confirmation that he is fit to play against Leon is expected to come over the weekend.

Xavi, Marc Bartra and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will work on specific solo training regimes, while new center back signing Thomas Vermaelen is doing physiotherapy work as he recovers from an injury sustained at the World Cup.

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