Neymar to be fit for World Cup opener, says Brazil coach

Kathmandu. Brazil's star forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (Neymar) may be ready for the first match of the World Cup despite a calf problem, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday.

With the World Cup approaching, Ancelotti said that instead of reports that the 34-year-old Brazilian star could be out for three weeks, Neymar is being treated to be fit for the match against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13.

"We believe he will return to the field soon and if he cannot play the first match, he will be ready for the second match," said Italian Ancelotti.

Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar did not play the friendly matches against Panama and Egypt before the World Cup.

Brazil will play Panama on Sunday at the Maracanã Stadium and will play their final practice match against Egypt in Cleveland on June 6.

It was surprising that Neymar was included in Ancelotti's 26-member squad for the World Cup as he had not been selected for the national team for almost three years due to recent poor performance due to injuries.

However, Neymar is Brazil's highest goal scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches for the Seleção, and this is his fourth World Cup appearance.