Lionel Messi and Neymar are thought in contention to start a first game together for Barcelona tonight at home to Atletico Madrid.
So far the duo have yet to feature in a starting XI in official competition this season, but are expected to do so for Wednesday evening’s Supercopa de Espana second leg at the Camp Nou.
Messi, who picked up a bruised thigh in the first leg last week, which forced him out of the weekend game at Malaga, has returned to full training this week and yesterday evening was given the all-clear from Barcelona’s medical team.
With the Argentine expected back in the starting line-up, reports are that he could be joined by Neymar, who has so far featured from the bench in his first three appearances.
Mundo Deportivo suggest that one from Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas will subsequently be benched.
Adriano is absent from the squad through injury, whilst Jonathan dos Santos and Oier did not make the cut for the 19-man selection named.
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone is strongly expected to go with the same Atletico line-up that started the first leg at the Vicente Calderon last week.
Barcelona probable XI to play Atletico Madrid: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Neymar
