Neymar Jr has broken his silence on his major injury concern, claiming he will do his best to make a return to action during the World Cup for his nation. It comes after a huge worry for the Brazilian, who was pictured with an inflamed ankle after he was substituted in the side's 2-0 victory over Serbia in their group stage opener.
Two goals from Richarlison - one of which being a stunning acrobatic effort - has left the Selecao in good shape even in Neymar's absence. Clashes against Switzerland and Cameroon follow as the side look to continue moving through the gears and earn a place in the round of 16.
With Brazil being one of the favourites for the tournament, that progression is expected from them, though assistant manager Cléber Xavier told the Guardian in more detail about lessons learned by the squad from previous campaigns: "We realised after Russia that we had to change the Seleção. We lost Dani [Alves] and Renato [Augusto] before the tournament and Neymar wasn’t himself as he was carrying an injury, so we had to kind of build a new team during the tournament.
READ MORE: England player ratings vs Iran: Saka and Bellingham impress as England romp to 6-2 World Cup win
"Now it is completely different. If we lose a player we know much better how to deal with it. In 2018 we hadn’t had enough time to know the players inside out but now we have had that time with them.”
There will be hopes from the Brazil faithful that they are able to deal with losing a player after reports stated that a swollen ankle for Neymar pictured in their clash against Serbia would keep him out from the group stage matches. Since the news broke, the superstar took to social media to break his silence on it and offer some hope for a speedy recovery.
"The pride and love I feel wearing the shirt is inexplicable. If God gave me the opportunity to choose a country to be born in, it would be BRAZIL. Nothing in my life was given or easy, I always had to chase after my dreams and my goals. Never wishing someone harm but helping those in need.
"Today has become one of the most difficult moments of my career… and again in a world cup. I have an injury yes, it's annoying, it's going to hurt but I'm sure I'll have a chance to come back because I'll do my best to help my country , my companions and myself.
"Long wait for the enemy to take me down like this? NEVER! I am the SON OF THE GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE and my FAITH is endless."
It remains to be seen if Neymar can return to action in the World Cup, having already suffered a similar heartache in 2014 when a back injury ruled him out from the quarter-finals onwards.
READ NEXT:
Win £150 of Nike vouchers by predicting World Cup Golden Boot winner
Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish troll each other on Instagram amid England's World Cup win vs Iran
Lisandro Martinez call mocked by Man Utd as Spurs' Cristian Romero embarrassed vs Saudi ArabiaGraeme Souness and Roy Keane in heated World Cup row on ITV over divisive new FIFA directive
England player ratings vs Iran: Saka and Bellingham impress as England romp to 6-2 World Cup win
