Brazil supporters will be worried about Neymar Jr's fitness as there's still no indication that he will be fit again this World Cup. The PSG forward injured ligaments in his right ankle in their opening game against Serbia and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the group stage.
Even without the injured superstar, Brazil are favourites to win the competition this winter. That being said, their chances of doing exactly that only improve if he's indeed passed fit to play.
With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at all the latest news surrounding his injury.
READ MORE: Arsenal's Bukayo Saka nominated for Fans' Footballer of the Year award amid title tilt
No timetable for return
Although Brazil are hopeful that he will play again this competition, there's been no official timetable for Neymar's return. That means he could end up missing the rest of the World Cup.
Fever issue
As per The Sun, in addition to his ongoing ligament issues, Neymar was forced to stay away from the 974 stadium against Switzerland because he is suffering with a fever.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jnr said: “Neymar stayed at the hotel with a fever. We are all rooting for him to recover quickly from illness and his injury."
What Tite has said
Tite insists that Neymar will return at the 2022 World Cup, despite picking up a right ankle ligament injury against Serbia.
As cited by Marca, he said: "I think Neymar and Danilo will still play in the World Cup, that's my opinion," he said at a press conference. On medical issues, I can't talk about it, because I'm not in that position. We believe they will be available to play."
Neymar breaks silence
After the news broke, the superstar took to social media to break his silence on the injury and offer some hope that he will return.
He said: "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."
Read more here.
Neymar out of group stage
The result of relevant scans showed a lateral ligament injury on Neymar's right ankle, along with a small bone swelling. Neymar was consequently ruled out for the final two games of the group stage.
Find out more via this link.
READ NEXT:
What Gareth Bale did to Tottenham's Harry Kane ahead of vital England World Cup clash vs Wales
Win £150 of Nike vouchers by predicting World Cup Golden Boot winner
National Grid confirm power blackout decision with major World Cup effect on England vs Wales
What happens if teams finish on equal points in World Cup group stage
