2022 FIFA World Cup: Brazil's Neymar could return in time for South Korea clash

Brazil star Neymar could be fit for Brazil's 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Round of 16 clash with South Korea on Monday, according to ti the Brazil team's medical department. The Paris Saint Germain forward suffered an ankle injury in Brazil's group stage win over Serbia.
Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazil team doctor, said to reporters following the 1-0 loss to Cameroon on Friday, that there is the possibility that Neymar and Alex Sandro will be available to face South Korea in the Round of 16:

"We think we have time on our hands and there is a possibility," adding: "let's see what their transition will be - they have still not started practice with the ball and it's something they will do tomorrow (Saturday). It will be important to see how they respond to this new style, so depending on that, we will make a call."

Alex Sandro suffered a hip injury against Switzerland while Neymar's ankle problem was picked up against Serbia in Brazil's first match of the 2022 World Cup.

Meanwhile, defender Danilo is said to have been "evolving very positively" and that he will train as normal with the rest of the squad over the weekend.

Brazil have other players doubtful, too, including left back Alex Telles who took a knock to his right knee while Gabriel Jesus was also complaining of pain in his right knee.

It was confirmed on Saturday via The Athletic that Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the World Cup, however.

The Premier League duo will be assessed on Saturday.

South Korea face Brazil on Monday, 5th December at 10 PM local time or 4 AM on December 6th in Korea.

[READ: South Korea book place in Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup]

The Taegeuk Warriors took on Brazil earlier this year in a friendly and lost 5-1.

Neymar scored two penalties on that June evening in Seoul, Richarlison, Philippe Coutinho, and Gabriel Jesus scored the others.

Hwang Ui-jo notched Korea's only goal of the game, legging Brazil back in the 31st minute and cancelling out Richarlison's seventh-minute opener.

Sources: RTE & The Guardian