Brazil have been given a scare ahead of Friday’s clash with Costa Rica after Neymar missed training for a second successive day.
The news came as Philippe Coutinho warned his Brazil team-mates that there would be no margin for error against the Costa Ricans in St Petersburg following their disappointing 1-1 draw in their opening game against Switzerland on Sunday.
Neymar, who had sat out training on Monday, was unable to take part in Tuesday's session after complaining of pain to his right ankle.
The Paris St-Germain forward, who had managed only a few warm up exercises, was seen kicking a ball away in frustration as he hobbled off in the company of Brazil physiotherapist, Bruno Manek, at the team’s base in Sochi.
Rodrigo Lasmar, Brazil’s doctor, said Neymar would receive more treatment on Wednesday morning but was due to return to full training in afternoon, with Brazil confident the player will be fit to play on Friday. Coutinho said Neymar’s fitness was not a worry and the pain he was feeling was “normal”.
But the situation is still a concern for Brazil, not least as their coach, Tite, had warned before the Switzerland game that Neymar was “not 100 per cent fit” after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in February and would require careful handling in Russia. The Swiss result has also increased the pressure to deliver against Costa Rica.
Source: Telegraph