Neymar Injury Update: Barcelona And Brazilian National Star To Miss 4 Weeks With Swollen Left Foot

After falling to rival Real Madrid in the 2013-2014 Copa del Rey final, Barcelona learned that 22-year-old star Neymar will miss the next 4 weeks with a significant foot injury. Officially diagnosed with swelling on the fourth metatarsal of his left foot – a wound that stems from a bruise on the foot – the Brazilian national star is now set to miss Barca’s upcoming contests against Athletic Bilbao, Villareal and Getafe. The international talent could also be absent for the Catalan club’s May 11 match at Elche and a crucial home contest against current La Liga leader Atletico Madrid seven days later.

Issuing a statement on the club website, Barcelona informed loyalists of the team that Neymar – who joined Barca in May of 2013 after five tremendous seasons with Brasileirão club Santos – that recovery treatment will begin shortly but the turnaround time is still expected to remain at one month. “The player sustained a contusion with caused an edema in the fourth metatarsal in his left foot,” the club’s website indicated. “He will be sidelined for four weeks. The player will begin treatment and will be out of action for four weeks.”

Through 33 La Liga contests, Barcelona sits third behind Copa del Rey champion Real Madrid and table-leading Atletico. Needing to make up four points to catch Los Rojiblancos with just five matches remaining, Barca’s chances of achieving the top spot certainly took a hit with the news of Neymar’s injury. To make matters worse, Barca boss Gerardo Martino was also informed that 25-year-old defender Jordi Alba will miss the next three to four weeks as well due to a right hamstring injury.