Neymar has successfully completed his first full training session with the Brazilian national team on Sunday.
The Santos forward is anticipated to play in Wednesday’s Group C match against Scotland, which will take place in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Neymar was absent from Brazil’s first two World Cup matches, including the 3-0 victory over Haiti, due to a calf injury in his right leg.
The Santos star took to social media to share his excitement about training with the team for the first time since arriving at Brazil’s camp last month. Neymar, 34, expressed, “Thank you, God. I’m so happy!!!”
Neymar last featured for Santos on May 17. His recovery is a significant boost for Brazil. He has scored 79 goals in 129 international appearances, making him the nation’s top scorer.
“We’re all thrilled to have him back, training and on the field with us,” commented Flamengo midfielder Lucas Paquetá on Sunday. “He’s an essential player for our national team with an incredible history, and his presence can greatly benefit us. We’re happy to have him back and hope he can contribute on the field soon.”
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Neymar is making his fourth World Cup appearance and is eager to secure his first major championship with Brazil. The five-time champions have not lifted the World Cup trophy since 2002.
When asked if his teammates understand that this is Neymar’s last opportunity to achieve World Cup success, Paquetá remarked, “I believe so… we players take pride in our five stars but also in representing everyone’s dreams. We hope to see that dream fulfilled, just as everyone else does, and we’re determined to do our best to make it happen.”
Brazil is currently at the top of Group C, tied with Morocco with four points, while Scotland is in third place with three points.