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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Neymar guarantee given by Brazil boss ahead of World Cup 2022 clash with South Korea

Neymar is set to return for Brazil's last 16 clash with South Korea.

The South Americans have been without their talisman for the last two games after he picked up an injury in the opening win over Serbia. Neymar, now playing in his third World Cup, is a crucial figure for his country and will need to fire on all cylinders if they are to claim glory in Qatar.

Brazil are heavy favourites against the South Korean underdogs on Monday with a potential quarter final to come against either Japan or Croatia. Tite is not short of attacking quality with the likes of Richarlison and Vinicius Jnr available to him, but will welcome back Neymar if he trains without any issue.

He said: “Regarding Neymar he’s going to practice this afternoon and if he is OK, he will play tomorrow. 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.”

Tite went on to add: "We pay a price to be the best, we want to be at our most competent but we never put health at risk. Neymar being in the line-up depends on the medical department clearing it. I prefer to use my best from the start. Myself, as a head coach I have to take that responsibility, and that is my preference."

Neymar himself has posted two pictures on social media of himself training alongside the caption: "I feel good, I knew that I would now."

The PSG ace started in their opener alongside Vinicius Jnr and Raphinha with Richarlison leading the line. In his absence Tite has been switching things up - bringing in Fred for the win over Switzerland before fielding a completely different XI for loss to Cameroon.

Neymar was injured in Brazil's opener against Serbia (Getty Images)

How far will Brazil go in the World Cup? Tell us what you think here.

Alex Sandro, Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus are the only three players unavailable to Tite for the clash against South Korea, who needed a stoppage time winner to progress to the last 16. Brazil are aiming to win the World Cup for the first time since 2002 following several failures.

Brazil's route to the final could see them play either the Netherlands or Argentina in the last four. Their South American neighbours beat them in the Copa America final last summer and are desperate to end Lionel Messi's wait for a World Cup.

The South Americans are playing as arguably their greatest ever player, Pele, faces major health problems. Tite has issued his own message of support: "We all want to wish good health to Pele, our greatest representative, the extraterrestrial who is terrestrial."

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