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Fit Neymar itching to return

Cape Town - Neymar's injured back is healing well and he is aiming to return to action in a friendly for his club Barcelona on August 18, the Brazil forward said.

Neymar fractured a bone in his back following a challenge from Colombia defender Juan Zuniga in Brazil's Soccer World Cup quarter-final and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

"I am recovering bit by bit from the injury and I will arrive in Barcelona at 100 percent," said Neymar - who is due back at Barca on August 5 - at a promotional event in Japan.

Read Here: Neymar mobbed in Japan

"I want to have a good season and I would like to help my team-mates get good results," he added.

The Catalans play Mexican side, Leon, in the friendly at the Nou Camp on August 18, with the winners awarded a trophy named after the Catalan club's founder, Joan Gamper.

They begin their La Liga campaign at home to Elche the following weekend.

Barcelona ended last season without major silverware for the first time in six years which led to coach Gerardo Martino being sacked and replaced by former Spain and Barcelona midfielder, Luis Enrique.

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