Brazil fans feared the worst on Wednesday as star man Neymar was pictured receiving treatment from a physio on the same foot he injured earlier this season as his team continued their preparations for Russia at Tottenham’s new training base.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who is still fighting to get back to full fitness after undergoing surgery on a fractured fifth metatarsal, was seen showing discomfort during the warm up before removing his right boot.
A member of medical staff proceeded to tape up the foot before the 26-year-old was able to rejoin the session, where he was able to take full part.
Neymar receives medical attention on his foot during Brazil’s training session on Wednesday
The Paris Saint-Germain star looked to be feeling discomfort in the foot during the warm up
Neymar admitted on Sunday that he is not 100 percent in shape after a week’s training with Brazil during their World Cup preparations.
The striker said he still feels discomfort in his recovering right foot but believes he will be better for the tournament in Russia, which begins on June 14.
‘Physically I am well, my foot is fine. I am adapting in a few things. I still feel some discomfort, but it is not something that will trouble me,’ the 26-year-old Neymar told journalists at Brazil’s football confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
Asked how well he was feeling now, Neymar answered: ‘Not 100 percent yet. But that comes with time. It is normal that I have this fear of making complete movements. Let’s take it easy, there are still many days until the (World Cup) opener and I will be 100 percent then.’
Neymar was able to rejoin his team-mates as Brazil geared up for their friendly with Croatia
The forward tussles with Real Madrid’s Casemiro during the session at Tottenham’s base
Neymar has not played a match since February but hopes to be on the pitch again in Brazil’s friendly against Croatia on June 3 in Liverpool.
‘I am ready to play, there is nothing that can stop me,’ he said. ‘What I feel today is this fear because I am coming back now.’
Brazil, who head into the World Cup as one of the favourites, are currently enjoying a training camp in London ahead of their run of friendlies.
Neymar is vital to the Selecao’s chances as they bid to win a sixth World Cup in Russia
Tite’s side take on Croatia in what should be an entertaining friendly at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Afterwards, they come up against Austria before jetting off to Russia for the eagerly-anticipated World Cup.
Brazil, who were defeated 7-1 by Germany in their own World Cup back in 2014, begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 17.
The star-studded Brazilian squad then face Costa Rica and Serbia in their other group fixtures.