Brazil is lobbying Barcelona not to play Neymar in the final games of La Liga season, most notably the May 18th match against Atlético Madrid.

Neymar suffered a left foot injury in April and Brazil wants him to be healthy for the World Cup.

"Neymar was keen to play in the game, but the people who control his career have persuaded him not to run the risk of missing the World Cup. Neymar's team feel that he should be rested, even if he has fully recovered from the injury", Brazilian columnist Monica Bergamo said.