Neymar returns to practice with Barcelona

Barcelona forward Neymar has taken a big step toward returning to action, practicing with the first-team on Monday. The Brazil striker has been sidelined since badly spraining his right ankle in a Copa del Rey match at Getafe on January 16. He has missed a total of seven games.

Barcelona says Neymar is "in the final phase of his recovery" with the Catalan club traveling to Real Sociedad on Wednesday for the return leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal series, which Barcelona lead 2-0. (Also read: Barcelona back to top of La Liga table)

Neymar has scored 10 goals in 24 appearances since his summer move from Santos, which has also caused off-field distractions as a Madrid court investigates irregularities in the player's contract.

Featured Video Of The Day