FC Barcelona director of football, Andoni Zubizarreta, in the company of vice-president for sport Jordi Mestre, attended today’s official presentation of Claudio Bravo. As well as speaking about various issues connected with the arrival of the Chilean goalkeeper, he also touched on other subjects, including the fitness of Neymar Jr.
The Brazilian fractured the third vertebra in his back during the quarter final against Colombia. “We are in direct contact with the Brazilian Confederation’s doctors, we know that he is at home and stable”, commented Zubizarreta while also confirming that a club doctor will be travelling to Brazil to check on the player’s fitness.
He didn’t like to comment on how long the striker is expected to be out because “this is not a common injury and so it’s not easy to say … but Neymar will be given all the time he needs to recover”.
We hope to solve all of the departures this week. That would be good news for everyone concerned
Claudio Bravo is the sixth new face in the Barça squad, following on from Ter Stegen, Masip, Rafinha, Deulofeu and Rakitic. Zubizarreta also spoke about potential departures, commenting that “we hope to solve these things this week. It would be good news for everyone involved … However I must insist that all of our negotiations must be kept private. I feel more comfortable that way. Everything else is mere speculation”.
Zubizarreta also commented on Víctor Valdés’ situation now that he has left Barça. “We have always been there for him” he said. “We hope he can sort matters out and find the professional stability that he deserves.”
