Neymar AP File Photo
MADRID — Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar has come down with a stomach bug and will miss the domestic King’s Cup clash at home to Getafe on Wednesday, the club said.
“The Brazilian striker turned up this morning at the stadium with a bout of gastroenteritis. After the doctors saw him, they recommended that he go home and rest,” the club said in an online statement.
The 21-year-old’s last-minute withdrawal led coach Tata Martino to call up Xavi Hernandez to complete the 18-player squad for Wednesday’s match at the Camp Nou, Barcelona said.
Star striker Lionel Messi has been included in the team after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old four-time World Player of the Year has not played since tearing his hamstring in Barca’s 4-1 win over Real Betis on November 10.
After beginning his treatment for the injury in Barcelona, Messi returned to his native Argentina to continue his recovery in December.
He returned to Barcelona last week and resumed training with his teammates.