23 April,2017 09:35 AM IST | | AFP
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said he has prepared for his last El Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday with or without star forward Neymar
Neymar with a teammate during a training session in Barcelona on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Barcelona: Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said he has prepared for his last El Clasico against Real Madrid today with or without star forward Neymar.
Neymar is expected to serve the second of a three-game ban for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca's 2-0 defeat to Malaga a fortnight ago. However, the club have explored every option to have him available.
An appeal to Spain's Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) was deliberately delayed until after the court's normal Friday meeting to decide on appeals in the hope that would automatically see the ban suspended.
However, TAD could still call an emergency meeting on Saturday, and, even if they don't, Barca would risk being sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player should Neymar feature. "I think the club are correct in their position to defend the club's interests. As a coach I am prepared to play with or without Neymar," said Enrique.
