Neymar: Barcelona forward returns to training after back injury

Barcelona forward Neymar has trained for the first time since breaking a bone in his back during Brazil's World Cup quarter-final against Colombia.

The 22-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the tournament after being kneed by Juan Zuniga on 4 July.

"Neymar is back in training with the rest of the first-team squad," said astatement on Barcelona's website. 

"He will be given a thorough examination by the club's medical services to evaluate his recovery."

Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign on 24 August against Elche.

Neymar has previously said he was lucky not to be paralysed by Zuniga's challenge.

The Colombia player did not face disciplinary action from Fifa as the incident was seen by referee Carlos Velasco Carballo.

BBC

Lionel Messi’s haircut draws heavy criticism

APPARENTLY, all the millions in the world couldn’t buy Lionel Messi a decent haircut.

The Argentina superstar returned to training with Barcelona this week and the photos of his new ’do have caused a stir in the UK press and on social media.

“He may be one of the best players to ever grace the planet but this won’t go down as one of Lionel Messi’s finest moments,” Ben Burrows wrote in the Daily Mirror.

“... he has taken a trip to the barbers but whether he asked for this monstrosity of a cut or just got lumped with it is up for debate.”