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Barcelona confirm Neymar to make return after international break

Barcelona have confirmed that Neymar will return to the club following the international break after captaining Brazil to gold at the Rio Olympics.

In a statement, the Liga champions said he would return on Sep. 8, meaning he will miss the game against Athletic Bilbao this weekend.

Neymar scored in normal time of the 1-1 draw against Germany before converting the winning penalty as Brazil triumphed 5-4 in the shootout.

The 24-year-old forward, who stood down as captain of the national side after the win over Germany, will look to help his side to victories in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia before returning to his club.

"Off the back of winning Olympic gold with Brazil, Neymar Jr has been called up to the full national team and, with the permission of Luis Enrique, will return to the squad after the international break," the Barcelona statement said.

Neymar -- who signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona this summer -- will return to a Barca side that began the Liga season in blistering fashion with a 6-2 home win over Real Betis.

He is expected to be ready to play against Alaves at the the Camp Nou on Sep. 10.

Barca said midfielder Rafinha, also part of Brazil's Olympic success, would return to training this week.

"Rafinha has not been selected for the national team's latest squad and will therefore return to Barca training on Wednesday," the statement added.