NEYMAR WILL NOT play for Barcelona in el Clasico against Real Madrid later this evening (7.45pm) as the Catalans were forced to admit defeat in their fight against his suspension.
The Brazilian is in the midst of a three-game suspension for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga two weeks ago.
Barca’s appeal to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) wasn’t placed until after the court’s normal meeting time on Friday. The club had argued that until a ruling on the appeal was held, Neymar’s ban should be suspended and therefore allow him to feature for the potentially title-defining trip to the Bernabeu.
Barcelona would be taking an enormous risk by playing Neymar as they could be sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player.
And while the club said on Saturday that Neymar would travel to Madrid, they issued a statement on Sunday morning to confirm that he would not be a part of the squad.
Barca boss Luis Enrique believes his last Clasico in charge is a must-win for the reigning La Liga champions.
Madrid hold a three-point lead at the top with a game in hand on their rivals as they close in on a first La Liga title in five years.
“Given how close it is to the end of the season it is a decisive weekend,” said Enrique.
“This time a Clasico can decide or almost decide the league or leave it very open. For us it is like a final, only a win will do.”
Madrid could be boosted by the return of Gareth Bale from injury, but the fact the Welshman may not be risked is a further sign that Real have far more room for error.
Bale has been sidelined by an inflammation of the muscles around where he suffered ligament damage in his right ankle that kept him out for three months earlier in the season.
“He will be with us on Sunday,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
“You will see tomorrow what team we are going to start with.”
No Neymar! Barca confirm striker will not play in el Clasico as ban dispute drags on
NEYMAR WILL NOT play for Barcelona in el Clasico against Real Madrid later this evening (7.45pm) as the Catalans were forced to admit defeat in their fight against his suspension.
The Brazilian is in the midst of a three-game suspension for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga two weeks ago.
Barca’s appeal to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) wasn’t placed until after the court’s normal meeting time on Friday. The club had argued that until a ruling on the appeal was held, Neymar’s ban should be suspended and therefore allow him to feature for the potentially title-defining trip to the Bernabeu.
Barcelona would be taking an enormous risk by playing Neymar as they could be sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player.
And while the club said on Saturday that Neymar would travel to Madrid, they issued a statement on Sunday morning to confirm that he would not be a part of the squad.
Barca boss Luis Enrique believes his last Clasico in charge is a must-win for the reigning La Liga champions.
Madrid hold a three-point lead at the top with a game in hand on their rivals as they close in on a first La Liga title in five years.
“Given how close it is to the end of the season it is a decisive weekend,” said Enrique.
“This time a Clasico can decide or almost decide the league or leave it very open. For us it is like a final, only a win will do.”
Madrid could be boosted by the return of Gareth Bale from injury, but the fact the Welshman may not be risked is a further sign that Real have far more room for error.
Bale has been sidelined by an inflammation of the muscles around where he suffered ligament damage in his right ankle that kept him out for three months earlier in the season.
“He will be with us on Sunday,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
“You will see tomorrow what team we are going to start with.”
– © AFP 2017
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Hazard inspires from the bench to help fire Chelsea into FA Cup final
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Clasico La Liga Neymar Barcelona Real Madrid