Neymar is unlikely to feature for all of Sunday's game between Brazil and Switzerland. Laurent Gillieron / EPA
Neymar is unlikely to feature for all of Sunday's game between Brazil and Switzerland. Laurent Gillieron / EPA

Neymar not '100 per cent' for Brazil's opening game with Switzerland



Brazil coach Tite has said Neymar is not fully fit but will play some role when the five-time champions open their 2018 World Cup account against Switzerland on Sunday.

The world's most expensive player had surgery after breaking a foot bone in February and only began playing again in two warmup games for Brazil in the weeks before the World Cup began in Russia.

"He is not 100 percent at the moment but he has exceptional physical qualities, his speed in particular," Tite said.

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"He is always quick and he hasn't lost that speed, but he is not at 100 percent. I hope he will be fit on Sunday. In any case, he is in a suitable state to play."

The Paris Saint-Germain star scored fine goals in both of the warmup games and said he felt fine afterwards.

Brazil, seeking to erase the humiliation of their 7-1 drubbing by Germany at the semi-final stage on home soil four years ago, also face Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Turkey - because the government look after animals so well there.

Favourite film: I love scary movies. I have so many favourites but The Ring stands out.

Favourite book: The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t like the movies but I loved the books.

Favourite colour: Black.

Favourite music: Hard rock. I actually also perform as a rock DJ in Dubai.

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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tuesday, April 24 (10.45pm)

Liverpool v Roma

Wednesday, April 25
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Europa League semi-final, first leg
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Arsenal v Atletico Madrid (11.05pm)
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