Barcelona won't miss Neymar, says Scolari
The Brazilian attacker could be forced to sit out the Club World Cup semi-final but Luiz Felipe Scolari does not believe Barcelona will be affected unduly.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has hailed Neymar's progress in becoming one of the world's best players in recent seasons, but he does not believe Barcelona will suffer in his absence in the Club World Cup.
The European champions begin their Club World Cup campaign against Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday amid concerns over the Brazil international's fitness due to a groin injury.
Barca coach Luis Enrique insists he will not take any risks with the attacker, and while Scolari has hailed his compatriot's performances, he has warned that the quality at the club's disposal will allow them to cope without the 23-year-old.
"Neymar is one of the three best players in the world and he has been progressing for the last five years," said the Guangzhou boss. "His absence would affect any team aside from Barcelona, who have 25 players of a similar style.
"Messi is always one of the three best players in the world. He plays in a position in which you have to mark not just him but also the entire team, because he makes the team play.
"Barcelona have many good players, like Luis Suarez or Andres Iniesta. You have to keep an eye on all of them."