Barcelona have confirmed that Neymar will be out for the next two weeks after being diagnosed with mumps.
The Brazilian had recently cut his holiday short in order to begin pre-season training with La Blaugrana and caught the eye in the Gamper Trophy against Roma but will now miss his side’s opening three matches of the season – the UEFA Super Cup and both legs of the Supercopa.
A statement on Barca’s official website reads: “The first-team medical staff at Barcelona reported on Sunday that Neymar would be sidelined for 15 days after he was diagnosed with parotitis (mumps), despite having been previously vaccinated.
“Consequently, the Brazilian forward will miss the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday at 20:45 CET in Tbilisi, Georgia.
“The No 11 also cannot participate in the Supercopa, which sees Luis Enrique’s men face Athletic Club on August 14 and 17.”
Neymar’s injury may also impact on Pedro Rodriguez’s expected move to Manchester United, with the winger now all-but-certain to fill in for his teammate on the left of Barca’s attacking triumvirate.
Barca probable XI for the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Pedro
