Brazil have confirmed that Neymar is available to return to the World Cup following his ankle injury.
The 30-year-old has missed his last two Group G matches as he recovers on the sidelines but could now be set to make a comeback for his country against South Korea in the round of 16.
Neymar was injured late in their first 2-0 win over Serbia, and it was soon revealed he wouldn’t make his return until at least the round of 16.
Photos posted on social media showed the Paris Saint-Germain star’s swollen ankle as he tried to get back to full fitness.
However, Brazil have now been given a boost ahead of their next match as boss Tite has confirmed the forward’s imminent return.
“Yes, he will be available,” the boss said.
“He will train with us this afternoon, if everything goes well he will play.”
Neymar’s father, Neymar Santos Sr, recently spoke to talkSPORT’s Jim White about his son and was full of optimism despite the injury.
“I think Neymar will be on the pitch again in the last match and he will do his best to win the World Cup with his colleagues in the Brazilian team,” he said.
“He will do his best to help them and win the competition together.”
Despite the absence of one of their star players, Brazil slipped somewhat towards the knockout stages of the World Cup.
They beat Serbia and Switzerland to secure progress to the knockout stages, but suffered a surprise late defeat to Cameroon in their final group game.
It remains to be seen whether Neymar will start against South Korea on Monday, but his return will give Brazil a much-needed boost as they aim for a sixth World Cup title.
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