World Cup: Neymar 'will start' for Brazil against South Korea in last 16 | OneFootball

Brazil have been boosted ahead of tonight’s World Cup clash with South Korea as Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar ‘will start’ the last 16 clash, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Selecao booked their place in the knockout stages by topping Group G and head coach Tite could call upon one of his leading attackers as they bid for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Brazil team news – Neymar

Sky Sports footage shows that Neymar returned to training ahead of Brazil’s clash with South Korea last night.

The winger has been on the sidelines since an ankle injury sustained during his country’s group stage-opening 2-0 win over Serbia left him in tears.

Neymar’s setback resulted in him being ruled out of contention for the clashes with Switzerland and Cameroon, but Brazil still managed to book their place in the last 16.

Ahead of going toe-to-toe with South Korea, Tite revealed that the 30-year-old will be involved as long as he came through yesterday’s training session unscathed.

Neymar’s return will come as a major boost to the South Americans, particularly after it was confirmed that Arsenal frontman Gabriel Jesus will miss the remainder of the World Cup with a knee problem.

What has Ben Dinnery said about Neymar?

Dinnery is certain that Neymar will return to Brazil’s starting line-up unless he sustained a setback during his first training session after recovering from his ankle issue.

However, the injury news journalist has doubts over whether the former Barcelona man is fully fit ahead of taking on South Korea.

Dinnery told GIVEMESPORT: “He has returned and rejoined the group on Sunday afternoon. Tite came out and said if he came through that without any kind of reaction, then he would be in contention and, undoubtedly, Neymar will start.

“He may not be 100 per cent, but I’m very confident that Neymar should be in that Brazil squad for their round of 16 game.”

How has Neymar performed so far this season?

As per Transfermarkt, Neymar prepared for the World Cup by racking up 15 goals and an additional 12 assists in 20 PSG appearances since the campaign got underway.

The wide-man will be hopeful of adding to his 122 Brazil caps at Stadium 974 and, having found the back of the net 75 times, playing a key role as the Selecao continue their quest for a sixth title.

Prior to being forced off through injury against Serbia, Neymar got four shots away and had an 80 per cent pass success ratio as he was handed a 6.6 match rating by WhoScored.

There is no doubt that Brazil will be going into their contest with South Korea with renewed confidence if Neymar is in the starting line-up.