Neymar Brazil 2017

Is Neymar to return to Paris or continue recovery in Brazil ahead of World Cup?

Neymar landed in Belo Horizonte this week to continue his recovery from a foot injury. 

The PSG forward fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in a 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Marseille at the end of last month, leaving him in a race to reach peak fitness ahead of the Selecao's World Cup campaign in Russia.

PSG coach Unai Emery said on Friday that he expected the 26-year-old to be back in Paris back soon. 

"Neymar is about to come back," Emery said. "The last medical tests showed that he is good, and will be back shortly. When he's back, he will want to play again, for sure. Maybe he will get the opportunity to play some games before the end of season. We hope"

However, reports in Brazil now suggest that there is concrete date set for his return ahead of the World Cup.

Neymar left his home in Mangaratiba, in Rio de Janeiro, where he has been recovering since his surgery, for further examinations in the Minas Gerais capital. PSG are yet to confirm what they expect from the player following his latest evaluation in Brazil.

Having undergone surgery on March 3, Neymar’s progress has been tracked closely by Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar. 

The initial plan was for Neymar to return to action for the final stretch of the French league season in order to maximise his chances of being in peak physical condition when he joins Brazil’s World Cup squad in May.

Brazil boss Tite will announce his World Cup squad next month with the players slated to arrive at the Granja Comary training complex in Teresopolis on May 21.

The Selecao will then face their final two warm-up matches as the Brasil Global Tour returns in June, with clashes against Croatia in England on June 3, and Austria in Vienna on June 10.

Brazil begin their World Cup 2018 campaign on June 17 when they meet Switzerland in Rostov.

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