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Neymar accidentally reveals a detail on his phone that gives fans an insight into his mindset as he steps up to fitness for Brazil’s knockout match against South Korea after picking up an ankle injury.
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While there were doubts as to whether Neymar would be fit to take his place in Brazil’s World Cup knockout match against South Korea, there seems to be little doubt in the PSG superstar’s mind that his tournament is far from over.
After Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia, Neymar missed the last two games with an ankle injury and it was doubtful he would be fit for the quarter-finals if the team advanced.
It was feared that Neymar’s FIFA World Cup was over when he injured his ankle in their first group stage win over Serbia.
The South American tournament favorites lost 1-0 to Cameroon in their last group match and will now face South Korea in a knockout match with the winner to reach the quarterfinals.
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar called Neymar a ‘possibility’ to return against South Korea, while manager Tite simply answered ‘yes’ when asked on Sunday if he will play.
“He has specific training, so I don’t anticipate any situation,” Tite said when pressed.
Neymar was photographed holding his phone at the World Cup with the trophy in the background.
But there seems to be no doubt in Neymar’s mind that he will play a significant role in leading Brazil to glory, with the attacking threat seen on the sidelines at the World Cup with a very revealing image on his phone.
The 30-year-old has set an image of the World Cup trophy as a background on his device, highlighting his hunger to get back on the pitch and return his team to the top of world football.
His inclusion would be huge for Brazil, which is also missing defender Danilo and left-back Alex Sandro, while striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Alex Telles have been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Sandro is unlikely to return against South Korea, although Neymar and Danilo are in the draw.
“Regarding Neymar and Alex Sandro, we believe we have free time and there is a possibility,” Lasmar said.
Neymar has returned to training in Brazil and is expected to return for the essential match against South Korea
‘Let’s hope [and see] What will your transition be? They haven’t started practicing with the ball yet and it’s something they’ll do tomorrow. It will be important to see how they respond to this new style, so depending on that, we’ll make a call.
“Danilo has evolved very positively and today he has done intense work with the ball and has adapted very positively functionally. The expectation is that tomorrow he can train normally with all the players.
“Let’s see what happens and if all goes well, we have high expectations that he will be available for the next game.”
Brazil will play South Korea in their World Cup round of 16 match at 7pm UK time on Monday.