Once more grinning, Neymar is joined by the Brazilian national squad.
The Canarinha striker touched the ball on Saturday during Tite's practice, but it is still unclear if he will be able to play against South Korea on Monday.
The PSG player sustained an ankle ligament injury during his team's World Cup opener against Serbia. Despite the inflamed joint, which made many fear the worst, the medical staff predicted that with treatment, he could be ready to play in the knockout stage.
He started upping the ante on Friday during practice and after the match against Cameroon, when he was spotted running on the Lusail Stadium field.
His father Neymar Santos Sr believes that his son will be back for the final to help his country win the World Cup.
It appears that Brazil may have finally found its man. Neymar, who has missed Brazil's last two games due to an ankle injury, could play against South Korea in the World Cup 2022 Round of 16 on Monday, according to Brazil manager Tite.
“Regarding Neymar, he’s going to practice this afternoon and if he is OK, he will play tomorrow,” Tite said. “I don’t share any information that is not true. My answer is he will practice this afternoon, if everything goes well, he will play.”
Neymar's status for the remainder of the competition is uncertain after sustaining an ankle injury in Brazil's triumph against Serbia in the tournament opener.
Given that Brazil has already lost attacker Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the World Cup due to a knee injury sustained on Friday against Cameroon, his comeback would be especially significant at this point.
Neymar, who also sustained a back injury during the 2014 World Cup, has not yet led Brazil to a significant international triumph.Brazilians haven't won the World Cup since 2002, which is equivalent to the Yankees' World Series drought since 2009 in international soccer.
The CBF doctor also stated that Danilo is
"evolving positively"
and is anticipated to be available for Monday's match against South Korea. Alex Sandro, who has a muscle injury, will undergo the same rehabilitation as Neymar.