Tata Martino is confident Neymar’s injury is not serious and revealed he doesn’t expect the forward to be out for long.
Neymar had to be substituted in the first-half of Barcelona’s 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Getafe and it is said he will be missing for three weeks.
Martino is relaxed with that diagnosis after fearing the Brazilian’s injury could have been more serious.
“All the things we see give us tranquillity,” Martino told a post-match Press conference.
“There might be a period without Neymar playing but thank God it is not as bad as it could have been. So we’re all calm.
“I would prefer to speak about this after the doctors have completed their tests but if it’s confirmed, he won’t miss much time.
“Neymar is calm and the doctors gave us piece of mind.”
Martino was also content with his side’s performance and the result, with Barca winning 6-0 on aggregate.
“We had strength and focus. There was just one play in the first-half that Pinto had to save.
“We didn’t give Getafe the chance to get back into the tie.
“When Leo scored the first goal it was set. We won the game well.”
On the subject of Lionel Messi, Martino believes the ‘old’ Messi is returning.
“Messi showed up again.
“Seeing him around training and talking to him, and now he has minutes under his belt, it was a matter of time.
“Physically he felt good and he needed a competitive game. He showed he can play 90 minutes again.”
Carles Puyol also completed the full match and Martino welcomed the availability of the captain.
“He’s come along well. Since October he’s had positive responses when he had to play.
“Having him allows us to rest other players. He feels good.”
The performance of Sergi Roberto was also a subject Martino touched on, with the Coach praising the midfielder.
“Today Sergi Roberto has taken a step forward.
“That is what we need because he is very good and when he has more experience, Barcelona will have a very important player.”
