Dani Alves tips Neymar to fill Lionel Messi void

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has backed Neymar to fill the void left by Lionel Messi's absence from the team.

Messi was ruled out for two months after suffering a hamstring injury in the 4-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

However, Alves believes that his fellow Brazilian international can step up in the absence of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"With Messi out injured, someone has to take over his role and Neymar is ready to do that," Alves told Globoesporte.

"He knows how important he is for Barca and that he was brought just in case something like this happened.

"For the player he is and for the quality he has, he's the right man for the job and I am sure that he will respond positively."

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga.