Despite the ramifications that could come their way, Barcelona are set to push forward with their intention to deploy Neymar against Real Madrid.
The forward was given a two-game ban, in addition to the red card he sustained against Malaga, for sarcastically applauding the match officials, with the suspension ruling him out of El Clasico.
However, Barcelona have attempted to find a way around the ban by leaving the lodging of their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport until the final moments on Friday.
The Spanish Sports Tribunal intended to meet on Saturday but that failed to materialise, resulting in the CAS announcing that they would send the Blaugrana a letter to inform them why Neymar would be unavailable against Real, although Barcelona have challenged that view.
Barcelona believe that Neymar is free to feature because from the moment that they launched their appeal with the CAS on Friday, the administrative process was still open.
Although the CAS's ruling on Saturday morning would suggest the opposite, Barcelona view that as only an interpretation of the law and not a final ruling of the court.
Therefore, it is Barcelona's opinion that Neymar is free to play against Real Madrid on Sunday although if they choose to start the Brazilian, they may run the risk of forfeiting the game due to fielding an ineligible player.
