Neymar appeared to have fully recovered from his ankle injury and was expected to return to Brazil’s starting line-up against South Korea in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday.
Brazil confirm Neymar is available to play against South Korea 🙌 pic.twitter.com/LfgwtgmwnM
— GOAL (@goal) December 4, 2022
Brazil has scored just once since Neymar sprained his ankle in his opening game in a 2-0 win over Serbia on November 24.
“With his return, the whole team will improve,” said Richarlison, “I hope he comes back. Everyone saw how much we missed him in the last two games. I think him coming back will make me better.”
I feel good, I knew that I would now
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) December 3, 2022
✋🏽😜🤚🏽 pic.twitter.com/LpJ3BZJaU9
In footage released by the Brazilian soccer federation, Neymar appeared to be in good condition, doing drills with the ball and taking shots at goal without signs of his injury. South Korea is the second-to-last team to reach the knockout stages, but the Brazilian is not taking it lightly.
“We can’t think it’s going to be an easy game like it was in that friendly,” Brazil captain Thiago Silva said.
“We can’t think it’s going to be an easy game like it was in that friendly,” Brazil captain Thiago Silva said. “Now it’s the World Cup, and they’ve advanced in a very tough group. We have a lot of respect for them.”
“They are an aggressive and strong team. We can’t afford to make mistakes,” warned Richarlison.
Brazil confirm that Neymar is available to play against South Korea on Monday 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/qEayV8JSPx
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 4, 2022