Neymar to return for Barcelona at Espanyol

Neymar will return for Barcelona in Saturday`s Catalan derby at Espanyol, coach Luis Enrique has said.

However, Barca may be without Andres Iniesta at Cornella-El Prat, with a decision on the midfielder`s groin problem to be taken on the day of the game.

"Neymar is ready to compete," Luis Enrique confirmed at a news conference on Friday.

Asked whether Espanyol`s players could attempt to provoke the Brazilian, the coach added: "He is a specialist at dealing with these types of situation.

"If there`s a player that receives the most fouls it`s Neymar, and I think he can control these situations perfectly.

"But a derby against Espanyol is a game when control is needed from all the players."

Barcelona have been dependent on Lionel Messi in the three games Neymar missed, with the Argentine scoring six times.

Luis Suarez, however, has not scored in five appearances since the win over Sevilla on April 5 and was rested against Osasuna on Wednesday.

But Luis Enrique said: "I am not worried, because if you look at his figures it is not just about scoring goals -- which he`s spectacular at -- but about assists and infinite other things he contributes to the team."

Iniesta is a major doubt for the game having missed training on Friday, and could join Jeremy Mathieu, Rafinha and Aleix Vidal on the sidelines.

Luis Enrique said Vidal was progressing "much better than expected" after a dislocated ankle.

Barca are currently level with Real Madrid -- who have a game in hand -- on 78 points at the top of the table, although they lead the way courtesy of their superior head-to-head record.

The build-up to Barca`s game at Espanyol has been marred by controversy, with Malaga president Abdullah Al-Thani describing them as "Catalan scum" on Twitter.

But Luis Enrique said: "I have absolutely no interest in these things which aren`t to do with the sporting side of the game.

"All games are important at this stage of the season. Obviously it`s a difficult game. We know Espanyol very well, they know us and they`re always especially up for games against us, so let`s see how it unfolds."

Source: ESPN FC