Barcelona star Neymar is likely to miss the La Liga season opener against Elche on Sunday after spraining his ankle, the Catalan giants confirmed on Twitter.

.@neymarjr is suffering a grade 1 sprain in his left ankle http://t.co/MrA5dvdkLp

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 22, 2014

The 22-year-old Brazilian forward, who has just recovered from a back injury (fractured vertebra) suffered at the World Cup – scored twice during 6-0 friendly win over Mexican side Leon on Monday.

“Tests have shown a grade one sprain,” read as a club’s official website.

“His return to training will depend on how the injury treatment evolves.”

It results as a major blow to new boss Luis Enrique following their first season without having a major trophy in six years.

Neymar has made 26 La Liga appearances last season, scoring nine goals.