Football
ESPN staff 8y

Barca's Neymar expected to return vs. Athletic Bilbao after hamstring injury

Neymar is expected to return to action for Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarterfinals second leg tie against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

The Brazil captain was sidelined for the Blaugrana's 2-1 triumph over Malaga on Saturday with a hamstring injury, but has been named in Luis Enrique's 18-man squad against Bilbao, with the manager confirming Neymar "fine" to play.

Neymar scored in the first match at San Mames, taking advantage of a mix-up at the back to coolly slot into an empty net.

The Brazilian, however, was subjected to some rough play from Athletic, particularly at the hands of goalscorer Aritz Aduriz, who was critical of the Barcelona striker for his style of play and suggested he should change his approach to the game.

Neymar, who was also accused of poor sportsmanship in the teams' Copa del Rey finals clash last season, flicked the ball over Aduriz's head in the second half. Aduriz then chased Neymar down, fouled him and appeared to drag his foot across the Brazilian's back.

Aduriz said he apologized to Neymar for "touching him a little," but said he did take issue with the Brazilian's style of play and wished he'd change his ways somewhat.

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