Brazilian striker Neymar has returned to the Barcelona team after missing the start of the season with mumps.

The forward completes the Barca frontline alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez by replacing Rafinha, who drops to the bench.

Gerard Pique continues to serve his suspension after being sent off in the second leg of the Spanish Supercup final defeat to Athletic Bilbao, so Thomas Vermaelen again starts in defence.

For Malaga, captain Weligton returns after suspension in the heart of defence, but Ignacio Camacho is not fit to start.

Barcelona: Bravo; Roberto, Mascherano, Vermaelen, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Malaga: Kameni; Rosales, Angeleri, Weligton, Torres; Horta Recio, Tissone, Juankar; Amrabat, Cop

Written by
Tom Nightingale