Ahead of the kickoff of the world cup in Russia, Brazil welcomed back PSG forward Neymar from injury, who is also their key man for the tournament. The former Barcelona star has started training fully with his teammates as the Selecao step up their preparations.

Brazil will face Croatia at Anfield on Sunday June 3 in a friendly match before heading to Russia which is a perfect opportunity to give the Ligue 1 player of the season a runout in order to check his match fitness , yet that could now be in doubt.

"I'm still not at 100 percent," he explained in an interview in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. "This will come with time, although there is still an element of discomfort when I make certain moves. "I'm still short of being able to return."

After suffering a metatarsal injury against Marseille in February, Neymar has been recovering in Brazil for the most part, yet the team are due to fly to England on Monday.

"Physically I'm okay, my foot is fine," he admitted. "Of course I'm adapting again, but nothing is too serious. "Playing in the World Cup is a dream, I hope it won't be interrupted once again."

Ahead of the friendly with Croatia, additional care will be taken over the team's talismanic figure. It's difficult to imagine Brazil being able to replace him should his ailment prevent him from arriving in Russia in optimum condition. Rodrigo Lasmar, the national team's doctor, was a little more optimistic when discussing Neymar's injury on Sunday.

"Neymar has been fantastic throughout his first week of training," he intimated. "We expect that he'll be available for the friendly this week."

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