Barcelona Confirm Neto out '6 to 8 Weeks' After Surgery for Hand Injury

Barcelona have confirmed back-up goalkeeper Neto will be on the sidelines for between six and eight weeks after he had surgery on Tuesday. 

The stopper needed an operation after "fracturing the scaphoid in his left hand" in training, and the procedure was a success, per the club's official website.

Neto arrived at the club from Valencia this summer to replace Jasper Cillessen as the No. 2 'keeper, with the Dutchman heading the other way.

The 30-year-old played his first full 90 minutes for Barcelona in their 2-1 friendly win over Napoli last Wednesday.

AS' Robbie Dunne and Barcelona blogger Kevin Williams were impressed with the Brazilian's performance as he made a series of saves to keep out the Italian side:

Neto's absence could mean he's unavailable for Barcelona's first eight La Liga matches, plus a UEFA Champions League group match or two, if his recovery is on the longer end of the projection.

Provided first-choice 'keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains fit and free of suspension, Neto's absence won't have a significant impact on the Blaugrana's start to the season.

However, should the German encounter any issues in the coming weeks, Barca will have to rely on either Lazar Carevic or Inaki Pena from their B team, both of whom are 20 years old.

Stepping up to the first team at this stage would put either of them under enormous pressure, so it's vital Ter Stegen remains available until Neto's return.