Barcelona have confirmed they have agreed a deal with the Brazilian Football Confederation for Neymar to sit out this summer’s Copa America.
Brazil, 4.33 to win the Copa America, had hoped the forward would play in the tournament as well as the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Neymar had stated his intention to feature in both events but Barcelona were against the idea as they prepare for next year’s La Liga campaign.
Neymar would have missed the club’s pre-season plans due to his international commitments but the 24-year-old will now just play in the Olympic Games.
Clubs are not obliged to release players for the Olympics but Neymar is still expected to be in the squad for the tournament that runs from August 3-21.
The former Santos star will be one of three over-23 players selected and Barcelona have thanked Conmebol for their understanding in the matter.
In a statement they said: “FC Barcelona expresses its gratitude to the Brazilian Football Confederation and its president Marco Polo del Nero for accepting the Club’s proposal for Neymar Jr to only play at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer, and not at the Copa America in the United States.
The Spanish giants confirmed the news just hours after their 8-0 victory over Deportivo, in which Neymar scored the final goal.
The winger will be hopeful he can stay fit as he tries to help Brazil win the Olympic tournament after being drawn in Group A alongside South Africa, Iraq and Denmark.
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