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World Cup 2018: Brazil star Neymar reveals injury update after goalscoring comeback
NEYMAR insists he is only at “80 per-cent” fitness despite scoring an excellent solo goal in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Croatia yesterday.
The Selecao took on their fellow World Cup qualifiers at Liverpool’s home ground of Anfield with Neymar making his return from a four-month lay-off with an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old missed much of the second-half of the season as a result of the problem sustained during Paris Saint-Germain’s league win over Marseille.
But he finally made his return to the pitch on Merseyside as a strong Brazil team saw off Croatia with Roberto Firmino also among the goals.
And despite the encouraging signs on his comeback, Neymar says he still has progress to make in order to get to his best physical shape and admits he is anxious of another fitness issue ahead of this month’s tournament in Russia.
I still have some fear, a certain fear. But little by little, with each training session, I’m letting myself go.
Speaking to reporters at Anfield he said: “It’s been three months since the injury.
“To be back to do what I love the most, which is to play football, and even score a goal I’m very happy.
“But I still have some fear, a certain fear. But little by little, with each training session, I’m letting myself go.
“Let’s see what the week’s training will be like. Little by little I’m getting better.
“I’m happy for today. I still feel a little uncomfortable but it’s normal because I’ve gone a long time without playing a game.
“I’m 80 per-cent [fit].”
Neymar - whose future at PSG is currently uncertain amid constant speculation over a move to Real Madrid - will surely be key to Tite’s team if Brazil are to add a sixth world title. They face Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.