A tug of war is brewing between Barcelona and Brazil over Neymar. The 'Azulgranas' are desperate to get the forward fit for Saturday's title decider: after all, he is the only Barça player who has managed to score against Atlético this season. This has left the Brazilian higher-ups up in arms.

The Brazilian FA and its army of sponsors have been urging the starlet not to force the issue by rushing back and exposing himself to a potential recurrence of his injury, which could jeopardise his place at the World Cup. It is worth remembering that Neymar is not just Brazil's best player: he is also a media icon on whom numerous companies have bet the farm in terms of advertising and investment.

The ex-Santos man is currently sidelined with a problem in the fourth metatarsal of his left foot, sustained during the 'Copa del Rey' final on 16th April. He was mooted to be out of action for around four weeks, meaning he had been all but ruled out for the remainder of the league campaign.

It was the 22-year-old himself, though, who raised the Barça fans' hopes by stressing that he would do everything in his power to make it back in time to face Atlético if the Catalan club were still in contention for the title.

However, the word coming out of Brazil is that Neymar's father will step in to prevent his son from playing because there is too much at stake.