Jordi Alba Injury: Updates on Barcelona Star's Neck and Return

Having made a full recovery from the neck problem that ruled him out of Sept. 26's clash with Las Palmas, Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba returned to the side with a substitute appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Barca described the left-back's recent issue as "neck soreness," which led to him being replaced by Douglas.

Alba is a unique player in this Barcelona squad. The Spain international's surges on the left flank give the team a vibrant edge in attacking areas, and his ability to provide width high up the pitch stretches defences and creates more space for the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to function in.

When he isn't fit, there’s no natural replacement for Alba.

Douglas hasn’t impressed in his appearances for the club to date, and Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu are centre-backs in the main, leaving utility man Adriano Correia as the most natural cover for Alba.