Brazil is expected to have Neymar available for tonight’s World Cup last-16 match against South Korea.
The PSG superstar was hurt during the Selecao’s opening triumph over Serbia, missing the remainder of the group stage, but head coach Tite has stated that Brazil’s talisman is fit to play today.
“Neymar will train this afternoon, and if he trains well, he will play,” Tite stated on Sunday. “(Alex Sandro) is unable to play. Still recuperating. Danilo and Neymar have returned.
“If (Neymar) plays, it is because he is fully healthy and ready to begin, to play from the start and throughout the game with no constraints.” My tendency is usually to start with my top players.”
Favorites in the tournament Despite more injuries to Danilo and Alex Sandro, Brazil emerged victorious from Group G.
Tite had the luxury of resting players against Cameroon, and he is largely anticipated to revert to his strongest lineup now that the knockouts have begun. Still, it came at a cost, as Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus were both ruled out of the competition.
Hwang hee-Chan seemed to have overcome his hamstring injury for South Korea, scoring the game-winning goal against Portugal in spectacular way. Kim Min-jae is still a question mark, while Lee Kang-in and Kim Young-gwon may face late fitness tests.
Brazil’s expected starting lineup is as follows: Alisson; Danilo, Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Fred; Neymar, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison.
South Korea’s expected starting lineup is as follows: Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Moon-hwan, Kwon Kyung-won, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-su, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in, Jeong Woo-yeong, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, and Cho Gue-sung.
Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.