Neymar back to training as push towards return from back injury continues on schedule

Neymar has been cleared by doctors to return to training, and returned
to the field for Barcelona, albeit still separately from regular team
training.

The young Brazilian striker fractured a vertebrae during the World
Cup, reportedly coming millimeters from being paralyzed.

Instead, he is back after just a month, however there is no timetable
for when he will be fully fit. The club says they will monitor his
return to the practice field and build a schedule from there.

"Neymar underwent a check up on his back injury with Barca this
morning," the club said on its official website, "with the club
doctors expressing their satisfaction with his recovery which will
continue with a specific training program."

In a spell of great timing, fellow striker Lionel Messialso returned
after some time off after reaching the World Cup final.

Managers often give players a rest after the grueling schedule of a
World Cup, and Messi maxed out that schedule with Argentina's run to
the final match. Other World Cup participants on Barcelona's payroll
– for which there were plenty – have been slowly making their ways
back.

Messi's international teammate and World Cup standout Javier
Mascheranoreturned as well, along with Dani Alves

He passed a simple exam and is back on the field for Barcelona, with
nothing in his way of the starting lineup as the Catalans open their
La Liga schedule against Elche at the Nou Camp on August 24 against
Elche.

They have three friendlies before that date, against Napoli, Lyon, and
Finnish club HJK.