Update: Neymar will be available for Brazil’s Round of 16 match against South Korea.
Neymar is back in training for Brazil, two days before their round of 16 clash against South Korea at the World Cup.
The 30-year-old is in a race against time to be fit for the match as he tries to recover from an ankle injury sustained in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia.
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But news of his return to training will be a boost for manager Tite, who will be hoping to rely on Neymar for the rest of his nation’s campaign in Qatar.
Assistant coach Cleber Xavier said on Thursday that Neymar, along with injured team-mates Alex Sandro and Danilo were “progressing” and that a decision would be made over their likely return date after the match against Cameroon, which they lost 1-0.
Neymar is still seeking his first major title at international level with Brazil.
He was forced out of the 2014 World Cup after sustaining a back injury in the quarter-final tie against Columbia, while he didn’t play in the 2019 Copa America due to an ankle issue.
Brazil also confirmed earlier today that Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the World Cup.
The Arsenal striker suffered an injury to his right knee during the defeat against Cameroon on Friday. Further scans have now shown he will not be able to play for the rest of the tournament.
Brazil’s match against South Korea will be played at Stadium 974.
Read more: Brazil 4-1 South Korea: Richarlison wonder goal, Tite’s dancing, Neymar one short of Pele’s record
Read more: Brazil stunned by Croatia in penalties, eliminated from World Cup 2022
GO DEEPER
Neymar can do it all. So how on earth do Brazil recreate what he brings to the team?
(Photo: Getty Images)