NEYMAR TO BE BACK IN ACTION BEFORE THE KICK-OFF OF LA LIGA NEW SEASON

Injured Brazilian playmaker, Neymar, is expected to be 100 per cent fit for Barcelona by the time the new Spanish La Liga campaign kicks off.

Barcelona's Neymar to be back in action before the kick-off of la liga new season

The Brazilian forward fractured his third lumbar vertebra during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final with Colombia after being challenged by Juan Camilo Zuniga and he was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

Neymar was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the tournament, but the 22-year-old has told Japanese media he is now well on his way back to full fitness.

"I am recovering from the injury day by day. I'll be coming back to Barcelona 100 per cent fit," he is quoted as saying on Barcelona's official website. 

"I want to have a really good season and I'm looking forward to helping my team-mates to get some good results."

The 22-year-old is currently in Japan taking part in a series of promotional events and is due to return to Barca on 5 August. He is targeting the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Club Leon on 18 August, which is a week before the 2014-15 La Liga season begins.

Barcelona play Mexican side Leon in the friendly at the Nou Camp on 18 August, with the winners awarded a trophy named for the Catalan club's founder Joan Gamper. They begin their La Liga campaign at home to Elche the following weekend.

The Catalan giants ended last season without major silverware for the first time in six years and coach Gerardo Martino was sacked and replaced by former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Luis Enrique.