Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino has insisted that the club will not be taking any risks on Neymar's fitness over the coming weeks.

The Brazilian returned to training this week following a month out with an ankle injury, but Martino claims that the forward will not be rushed back to the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey tie with Real Sociedad.

"He took part in his second training session with the team, he felt no pain and physically he's looking good," Martino told reporters on Tuesday.

"We'll see about tomorrow and against Rayo [on Saturday]. And although it's a very important match, for me the Manchester City game will not determine Neymar's progress - it's about taking the smallest possible risk for the footballer."

Barcelona face Man City in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie next Tuesday.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill