Neymar optimistic of World Cup return

Neymar suffered a broken metatarsal back in February during PSG's derby with Marseille. He has since travelled back to his native Brazil where he underwent surgery. 

Now, the 26-year-old forward has now shown himself optimistic about his road to recovery before the World Cup that kicks off in June: "I hope to get there in great shape."

"I get my final examination on 17 May and then I'll be free to play. I had an examination last week, it is all perfect, evolving well, so I hope that continues so I can get back a s soon as possible."

"I am having treatment every day, and from the moment I start training I am going to work harder than I ever worked because this is a dream that's coming up. It's a World Cup. I've waited four years for this chance, it's close."

When his home country hosted the competition in 2014, Neymar suffered a back injury that saw him miss out on his side's 7-1 thumping at the hands of the Germans in the semi-finals.

The Brazilian concluded the news conference by reflecting on his injury and outlining his hopeful attitude: "I have to work even harder but I am going to have enough time to arrive in form for the World Cup, to prepare. It was horrible getting injured but I am more rested, that's the upside. We have to see the positive side of things."