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Barca Star Returns To Training Earlier Than Expected

Barcelona forward Neymar has returned to training two weeks after being sidelined by a right ankle sprain.

The Brazil striker worked with the ball at Barcelona’s training ground on Monday, the first time he’s touched one since injuring himself in a Copa del Rey match at Getafe on January 16.

Barcelona did not disclose when it expects Neymar to return to action, although the initial diagnosis expected him to be sidelined for three to four weeks. That would put him in line to return next week.

The Spanish champions slipped three points back and lost La Liga leadership to Atletico Madrid after suffering an embarrassing 2-3 defeat in the hand of struggling Valencia at the Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Catalan club next plays at Real Sociedad on Wednesday in the first-leg of its Copa del Rey semifinal.

Controversies over Neymar’s transfer from Brazil is still being investigated by authorities in Spain.