Speculation is that Lionel Messi will not be passed fit for Barcelona’s trip to Malaga, and that Neymar will be handed a first start.
The Argentine is reported by the club as a doubt for the Week 2 fixture this Sunday night, having suffered a bruised thigh muscle in the midweek Supercopa de Espana first leg at Atletico Madrid.
AS are running the line today that the injury will be sufficient to definitely rule the 26-year-old out of the weekend and also still leave him in doubt for Wednesday’s second leg tie with Atleti.
It is also speculated that summer signing Neymar will be handed a first chance from the start for Tata Martino’s side this season.
The 21-year-old has so far appeared twice from the bench for La Blaugrana in official competition, coming on in the win against Levante and then netting a first club goal at the Vicente Calderon.
