Neymar is in line to feature for Brazil in their last 16 clash against South Korea. The PSG star injured his ankle in their opening game against Serbia.
The World Cup is the crunch stage. A few more slots are open for the quarter-final stage. As usual, the top dogs are on the list of teams to have booked a place in the quarter-final. Argentina, France, England and the Netherlands are already through to the last eight, with four more teams to join them.
Brazil continue their quest for a sixth World Cup title with an arduous task against South Korea. Brazil finished top of Group G to book a date with the Asian side. It was easy for the Selecao in their opening game, but a shuffle of players in the last match with Cameroon ensured a stutter and a loss.
The South Americans have endured a few inconveniences in their build-up to the round of 16. Several players were down with injuries and sicknesses, leading them to miss a few games. Top of the list is Neymar and Danilo, who both suffered ankle injuries, but Selecao coach Tite is hopeful of a return against South Korea.
Neymar to be available for the South Korea game
After his ankle injury in the game against Serbia, Neymar had a spell on the sidelines. The Paris Saint-Germain forward missed the games against Switzerland and Cameroon, but the tournament is in the business stage of the competition, and coach Tite will require all his best players to win the World Cup.
Brazil take on South Korea on Monday, and the five-time World Cup winners are hoping for the return of their talisman Neymar. The forward is in line to return for the game, but coach Tite is not taking any unnecessary risks. Tite claims Neymar has to prove his fitness first if he is to play against South Korea.
South Korea scraped through to the round of 16 after a late goal gave the Asian country a win against Portugal. Their victory knocked the Black stars of Ghana out of the competition. The odds are heavily against them, and they will need a miracle to survive the onslaught of the Selecao. One news they will now want is to hear of the availability of Neymar.
Neymar nightmare for South Korea
Neymar is probably chomping at the bits for the game against South Korea. The PSG star has played less than 90 minutes at the Qatar 2022 World Cup - thanks to an ankle injury against Serbia. Reports suggest he is available for the round of 16 tie against the Asian nation. Tite said on Sunday that Neymar would train with the team, and if OK, he will play on Monday.
South Korea coach Paulo Bento will not be happy with the improvement of Neymar's health. Bento said it would be hypocritical of the team to say they prefer playing against Neymar. Bento prefers the best players to play, but on this occasion, he’d rather Neymar be unavailable for the match.
Bento also complained about the quick turnaround of the games between the last group stage match on Friday and the last 16 tie on Monday. The Portuguese coach believes Brazil have an advantage after resting players in their final group game against Cameroon.
