Neymar Illness: Updates on Barcelona Star's Recovery from Mumps and Return

Neymar is closing in on a return to Barcelona's starting lineup after contracting mumps prior to the opening weekend of the La Liga season.

Continue for updates.

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Neymar Sacrifices Day Off to Improve Fitness

Wednesday, Aug. 26

"Neymar headed to Sant Joan Despi [training ground] to make sure he is in perfect shape for Saturday's game against Malaga at the Camp Nou," reported M. Carmen Torres of Marca.

Barcelona initially reported Neymar's illness on Aug. 9. He contracted mumps despite having been vaccinated against it, and missed Barca's opening league outing at Athletic Bilbao as a consequence. 

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of world football's biggest stars in the past few years and is part of arguably the best attacking threesome in the world alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Neymar has been relatively healthy during his short career, the notable exception being the back injury that saw him miss out on the 2014 World Cup semi-final match against Germany. Since then, he's only suffered minor knocks, per Transfermarkt.com.

Rafinha has seen his game time upped in Neymar's absence, but can expect to drop straight out of Luis Enrique's team now that the Brazilian has hit full fitness.