• La Liga

Fears eased over Neymar injury

Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino is confident striker Neymar will not need "a lot of time" to recuperate from an ankle injury.

Neymar suffered the injury early in the club's 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Getafe, sending fears that the he could be set for a long stint on the sidelines, and miss Barcelona's Champions League clash with Manchester City next month.

But Martino said he was "calm" about the situation, believing the injury could have been a lot worse.

"All the images that have been seen of Neymar have given us a lot of calm," Martino told AS. "Thanks be to God it was not as important as it could have been.

"I would prefer for the doctors to talk. We do not think that, if it is confirmed, that it is something which needs a lot of time.

"It could have been worse. The doctors have made us relaxed, he was with his father in the dressing-room. The doctors will say how long he will be out without playing."

Immediately after the match, the club confirmed Neymar was due for further scans to discover the extent of the damage.

"Neymar was injured this Thursday at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, during the Copa del Rey last 16 second leg at Getafe," a club statement read.

"The player was injured in just the 22nd minute. After being attended to by doctors pitch-side, Neymar had to be substituted because he could not continue.

"Initial examinations have found that the Brazilian forward has a sprain in the peroneal tendons of his right ankle. It is expected that this Friday, once the team arrives back to Barcelona, the player will undergo more tests to know the exact extent of the injury."

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi hopes his teammate's injury will not keep him out of action for too long.

"The truth is it is a pity," Messi told Catalan TV. "Tomorrow [Friday] he will have more tests to see how he is, and we hope it is nothing serious and that he is not out for a long time as we need him. He is very important for us, and we want him back soon."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd