Neymar needs five matches to hit full fitness, claims Tite

Neymar needs at least five matches to return to top form after a long injury layoff, but Brazil have not asked their talismanic forward to gamble on his fitness just to be improve their chances at the World Cup, coach Tite said yesterday.

The five-times world champions drew their opening Group E game against Switzerland 1-1 and play their second match against Costa Rica in St Petersburg today.

Neymar missed a chunk of the season with a fractured right foot and sprained ankle, but returned to play in Brazil’s last two friendlies before the World Cup and started their first match of the tournament.