Neymar Ruled out vs. Athletic Bilbao, Will Return After International Break

Barcelona have confirmed Neymar will be absent for Sunday's La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao and will report for duty at the Camp Nou after the upcoming international break. 

The Brazil superstar recently helped his country clinch a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and Barca's official website announced on Tuesday that manager Luis Enrique has granted the forward extra respite.

Provided Neymar is fully fit upon returning to Catalonia after the international break, it means he's in line to instead make his 2016-17 league debut at home to Alaves on September 10. 

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The 24-year-old scored the decisive spot-kick in Brazil's penalty shootout win over Germany in the final of the men's soccer tournament at Rio 2016, but Barca fans will have to wait until they can have their star back in action.

In the meantime, the Blaugrana don't look to be in dire need of the forward after shooting to the top of La Liga following a 6-2 drubbing of Real Betis in Saturday's league opener.

Neymar has won a total of nine team trophies during his three years at the Camp Nou, but Kieran Canning of Agence France-Presse argued Saturday's gold may be the biggest accolade of his career thus far:

It appears manager Enrique has recognised the magnitude of his accomplishment by agreeing to let him remain in his native Brazil, presumably content with the assets at his command for the trip to Bilbao. 

Bleacher Report's Rik Sharma also highlighted the inspired recent form of Arda Turan as reason for Barca not to mourn Neymar's absence too much:

David Salinas of Catalan newspaper Sport noted just how long it's been since the attacker was last seen at his club home (May 23), and it will have been more than three months by the time he makes his return.

According to Salinas, Neymar is expected back in Spain on September 8, two days before the home fixture against Alaves, and Enrique will have to make a quick assessment on whether his star is ready to return to the XI.

Neymar was absent for the Copa America Centenario earlier this year—where Brazil failed to advance past the group stage—due to the fact Barcelona would only release him for one summer tournament.

The former Santos star will undoubtedly feel he made the right decision in his own mind after clinching gold in Rio, but now the focus will make a gradual turn back to his allegiances at club level.

Barcelona's announcement also confirmed Rafinha, who was also a part of Brazil's victorious side in Rio de Janeiro, will return to training on Wednesday.