Barcelona v Atletico Madrid preview: Neymar available to play

By PA Sport

Saturday 30 January 2016 15:10, UK

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has indicated forward Neymar will be fit to play in Saturday afternoon's top-of-the-table La Liga clash at home to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico head to the Nou Camp second but locked on 48 points with leaders Barca, who have a game in hand, but Diego Simeone's side boast by far the best defensive record in the Spanish top flight, having conceded just eight goals in 21 matches.

Enrique is unlikely to hold back any of his attacking options, even though Brazil star Neymar has been struggling with a foot injury.

"They're totally fine," the Barca boss said, when quizzed at his pre-match press conference about the fitness of Neymar and full-back Jordi Alba (hamstring).

Asked if it would be risky to play Neymar, the Barca manager said: "He has a bruised foot. Risky would be not playing him. They could kill me!"

Enrique is looking forward to the tussle, and to the atmosphere in a full stadium for a massive match, but insists the outcome will not decide anything.

"This game is not definitive," he said. "We want to create problems with the game and see a packed Nou Camp."

The Barca boss was also full of admiration for Simeone, describing his opposite number as one of the world's best managers.

"If Atletico are the team that have conceded the fewest goals, it will be because they defend very well, dominate the whole defensive network and base their strength on such solidness to win games. We are not surprised."

Barca extended their unbeaten streak to 25 games in midweek, easing into the semi-finals with a 3-1 Copa del Rey victory over Athletic Bilbao to win 5-2 on aggregate.

But Atletico, having lost only once in their previous 24 games, crashed out, going down 3-2 to Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon after a goalless first leg.

Atletico captain Gabi acknowledged the surprise loss on Wednesday was a blow, but urged his team to focus on the vital trip this weekend.

"The team are hurting," the midfielder told his club's website. "When you don't win and the fans come to cheer in a competition that we like, when the fans come to cheer and they have contributed so much, the dressing room is disappointed.

"But the important thing for the group is to get back up and we have a big match against a great rival on Saturday."

Watch 'as live' coverage of Barcelona's La Liga clash at home to Atletico Madrid from 5.15pm on Saturday on Sky Sports 3 HD.