Neymar to Play on Sister's Birthday for First Time Since 2014 When PSG Take on Borussia Dortmund

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar could be set to play on his sister's birthday when the Ligue 1 side host Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their Champions League clash on March 11, meaning he will miss celebrations around the time of her birthday for the first time since 2014.

The Brazil international has a rather peculiar, or perhaps merely coincidental record of missing matches around his sister Rafaella Santos' birthday, which is March 11. 

In 2015, Neymar collected too many yellow cards during his time at Barcelona and ended up being suspended around her celebrations and, as a result, La Blaugrana allowed him to return to Brazil. The following year saw him pick up another suspension around Rafaella's birthday, leaving him free to return and celebrate with his sister yet again.

The following year saw him ruled out of action after suffering a muscular problem, while he struggled with foot injuries in both 2018 and 2019. Despite his injuries, he was still able to go and celebrate Rafaella's birthday. Coincidence? We'll leave that up to you. 

However, Neymar, who is currently injured, could be set to play around the time of his sister's special day for the first time since 2014 when Thomas Tuchel's men take on Dortmund on March 11. L'Equipe report that while the attacker missed the clash with Nantes after sustaining a rib injury, he could make his return against Lyon on Sunday, with his entourage claiming that it is 'nothing serious.' 

The report states that, considering the fact that PSG are currently 15 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, the club plan to be very cautious and do not want to risk him getting injured, however. L'Equipe further explain that if he is able to remain fit, he will play against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, a tie which is considered to be a 'top priority' for both the player and the club. 

In typical fashion, Neymar threw a lavish 28th birthday party on Sunday evening, with numerous PSG teammates joining in the celebrations. And he was soon ruled out of his side's clash with Nantes. 

But now that his birthday celebrations are out of the way, the club will be desperate to see him return to full fitness, while they will also hope that he can influence the outcome of their last 16 clash with Dortmund. The Paris-based side travel to take on the Bundesliga outfit on February 18 before hosting the second leg on Rafaella's birthday, March 11.