Neymar will be available for Brazil’s World Cup last-16 clash against South Korea on Monday, December 5.
The Brazilian coach Tite confirmed on Sunday that the 30-year-old PSG forward will be seen in action for his country in the crucial match with South Korea.
Neymar missed Brazil’s last two group matches against Switzerland and Cameroon after sustaining a ligament injury in his right ankle during Brazil’s opening match against Serbia.
Brazil being one of the favorites to win the Qatar World Cup qualified for the knockout stage. They topped Group G and qualified for the round of 16 despite a 1-0 defeat by Cameroon.
When asked in his press conference on Sunday ahead of the last 16 ties about Neymar’s availability, Tite confirmed that the PSG star player should be available to play today.
Coach Tite said: “Neymar will train today (Sunday) in the afternoon and if he trains well he will play.”
The 30-year-old Brazilian veteran forward was replaced in the 80th minute of his country’s 2-0 victory over Serbia in their opening match after a heavy tackle by Nikola Milenkovic.
Neymar has suffered a series of serious injury problems with his right foot over the past few years.
He missed the 2019 Copa America after suffering torn ligaments in his right ankle before spending some months recovering from a similar injury in 2021.
However, the PSG star described the injury he sustained against Serbia as “one of the hardest moments of my career”.
Neymar took to his Instagram page and penned: “Nothing in my life came easy and I’ve always had to work for my dreams and goals. I have never wished anyone anything bad and always helped those who needed it.”
The 30-year-old PSG star player has given the assurance that he will surely be available and do all he can to send his team to victory.
Neymar added: “I’m injured, yes it’s not nice, it will hurt but I’m sure I will have the chance to come back because I’ll do everything possible to help my country, my team-mates and myself.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday, December 4, the PSG star forward was spotted training with his teammates again after missing two matches due to ligament damage.
Neymar’s return to the Brazilian team will provide a big boost to the team who has had several injury concerns in this tournament.
Brazil has already lost Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus, who have both been ruled out for the remainder of the Qatar World Cup tournament, while they are expecting Alex Sandro and Danilo to bounce back to full form.
To remain in the World Cup tournament, Brazil will have to tramp on South Korea when they meet today.
Brazil vs South Korea’s round of 16 clash will take place at Stadium 974 in Qatar, with kickoff scheduled at 8 pm.
