The 26-year-old returned to full training in mid-May after undergoing the surgery on his fractured right foot in March. The striker has not played since late February and returned to the field in a pre-World Cup 2-0 win over Croatia at the Anfield in Liverpool on June 3.
"Neymar is not 100 percent [fit] yet, but he is very privileged physically. His sprinting capacity and his speed is very impressive, and he hasn't lost that, but he's not 100 percent [fit] yet. I mean, I hope he will be perfect… He's good enough to play very well," Tite told journalists.
If Neymar scores tomorrow we’ll giveaway a Brazil shirts! RT & follow to enter winners picked tomorrow after the game. pic.twitter.com/TDx0JCUqu9
— FIFA World Cup (@worIdcupfan) June 16, 2018
However, Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo called fellow Brazil teammate Neymar and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo the best football players in the world right now without mentioning Argentina star Lionel Messi.
"I agree with an opinion that [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Neymar are the best right now. I saw Ronaldo play last night," Marcelo told journalists.
TITE admits:
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) June 16, 2018
"#Neymar is not 100% yet, but we trust him." pic.twitter.com/um2IK7sfND
Ronaldo and Messi have won FIFA Ballon d'Or awards five times apiece, while Neymar has yet to win one. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick during Portugal's 3-3 draw with Spain on Friday.
Marcelo: “Cristiano and Neymar are two of the best in the world and yes I saw Cristiano’s match against Spain.” pic.twitter.com/hg6CcbqnnI
— SB (@Realmadridplace) June 16, 2018
Brazil has been drawn in Group E along with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia. The five-time World Cup winners will play their first game of the tournament against Switzerland on Sunday.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday and will continue until July 15, with the matches set to be played in 11 cities across Russia.
Neymar with a new hairstyle for the World Cup 😍😍😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/35gKooEUhi
— njrstats (@njrstats) June 16, 2018
