The 21-year-old has returned to training for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury two weeks ago and is likely to be fit enough to feature at the Etihad on 18 February.
Coach Gerardo Martino said Neymar’s recovery was going “very well” but insisted he would not rush the Brazilian back before he was completely ready.
“I always have absolute respect for what the medical staff and physios tell me and I am not fixing Manchester City as the target. I know that we all hope he will be fit for this match because it’s obviously a key game.”
“If he is fit before then he will play before then, if he is not fine he won’t play. Whatever happens, the importance of the match would never justify putting the player at risk.”
Barcelona’s next game is at home to Valencia on Saturday in La Liga. They are level with Atlético Madrid on 54 points at the top of the standings after 21 matches.
