Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has explained his reasons behind the omission of Neymar from Saturday's 2-0 win over Almeria.

The Brazilian forward was left on the bench for the La Liga match, and Martino said that the summer signing had played too many games in succession and needed the rest.

"He played three or four days ago, has played eight games in a row and is accumulating lots of minutes," Martino told Sport.

"If he didn't play today and does on Tuesday, it will be a difference of just three days and I don't think he doubts his importance to the team, nor will he lose his form."

The win kept Barca's perfect start to their La Liga campaign going.

Written by
Paul Gorst