Why Neymar could still play in El Clasico

Barcelona remain hopeful that they will have Neymar in the squad for Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Catalans had their appeal of Neymar’s three-match ban thrown out, by the committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Thursday.

But they have now confirmed they will take their case to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD).

Sources have told ESPN FC that Barca plan to take the case to TAD on Saturday, which is within the 15-day deadline, in an effort to delay the start date of the ban.

They are hoping that once that the appeal is lodged, Neymar’s ban is effectively suspended until TAD makes a decision.

If TAD meets on Saturday, it would allow Neymar to feature in this weekend’s game against Real Madrid.

The forward was sent off during Barcelona’s 2-0 loss at Malaga.

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