Neymar could make his first start for Barcelona in place of the injured Lionel Messi as La Liga’s reigning champions travel to Malaga tonight.
The Brazilian star appeared as a substitute in his new team’s opening two games of the season, scoring his first goal for the Catalan club to secure a 1-1 draw in the Super Cup first leg at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
And he is now ready to be unleashed from the opening whistle as Messi misses out with a thigh injury sustained in the midweek cup tie.
Boss Tata Martino has refused to confirm whether Neymar will be selected in his starting team, with the option of fielding Cesc Fabregas in Messi’s “false nine” position alongside wingers Pedro and Alexis Sanchez also a possibility, but he admitted the day for the Brazilian’s full debut is drawing near.
“We said a week ago that we would be very careful with his incorporation into the team, because we all want to see Neymar at his best,” said Martino.
“And nothing has happened in the last week to change that. He could be in the team against Malaga, or against Atletico on Wednesday [in the Super Cup second leg], or against Valencia next weekend.
“Messi not being there doesn’t automatically mean that Neymar will start, neither does his goal against Atletico, even though it was very important for the team. We’ll continue to follow our plan.”
Martino also challenged his squad to prove they can perform at a high level without their Argentine superstar, saying: “We have enough in the squad to play against Malaga in a way that suits us even without Lionel Messi. It cannot be an excuse.”
And he suggested Messi will be back in action for Wednesday’s return leg against Atletico, adding: “It’s unnecessary to take any risks so early into the season, but he’s looking good and we’re optimistic about his recuperation.”
Meanwhile, Malaga striker Roque Santa Cruz lauded Martino after working with the Barca boss during his time in charge of the Paraguayan national team.
The South American side progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup and the final of the 2011 Copa America during Martino’s spell in charge, and former Manchester City star Santa Cruz gave a fascinating insight into his managerial style.
“From the moment of his first speech to the team, he made a good impression,” he said. “He always conveys a sense of security with a very clear football philosophy and method of working.
“If I had to use one word to describe him, it would be ‘demanding’. The intensity of his daily work is spectacular. But he’s also a good person who smiles easily and has a fine sense of humour.”
TEAM NEWS
Malaga: Bartlomiej Pawlowski could be included in the Malaga squad for the first time after the Polish FA finally approved his loan move from Lodz. Veteran Weligton and Flavio Ferreira will both miss out through injury.
Barcelona: Lionel Messi misses out with a thigh injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup on Wednesday. Neymar should make his first competitive start for the club.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Malaga (4-1-4-1): Caballero; Gamez, Angeleri, Chen, Antunes; Tissone; Duda, Morales, Portillo, Fabrice; Santa Cruz
Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Fabregas, Busquets, Iniesta; Sanchez, Neymar, Pedro
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Roque Santa Cruz (Malaga) With Malaga having an entirely new team this season, there is a responsibility on senior men like Santa Cruz . Playing up on his own, the ball will need to stick when it goes to him or it will be a long night for the hosts.
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) Tata Martino gave a clear sign of Fabregas’ importance to the team by including him from the off against Levante last week. He may not have scored, but he sparkled and laid on no less than four goals.
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