Neymar returns to Barcelona

Neymar returned to Barcelona on Wednesday night for the first time since the season began.

The Brazilian forward spent 106 days away from the club on holiday, then at the Olympic Games, where he won a gold medal, and then playing in the World Cup qualifiers this last week, scoring a decisive goal against Colombia.

Luis Enrique allowed him some extra days off after the Olympics to avoid excessive travel. Neymar’s now back and keen to exhibit his football from day one, though.

The 24-year-old landed at El Prat airport accompanied by his father as well as former Barça player Dani Alves, who replaced him as Brazil captain.

He briefly stopped to speak to the media: ‘I am really happy to be back in Barcelona, I see myself playing against Alaves on Saturday.’

The doubt is if he will be playing alongside Lionel Messi, who is still struggling with a groin injury. Neymar, though, is clearly in good form.