Neymar confident of being in 'great shape' at the World Cup after foot injury

The Brazilian hasn't played since breaking his foot in February with the early prognosis putting his participation at this summer's tournament in doubt

Neymar is confident he'll be fit for this summer's World Cup (AFP)

Neymar is confident that he will not only be fit for the World Cup but also that he will arrive in Russia firing on all cylinders.

The Brazilian hasn't played since breaking his foot in February with the early prognosis putting his participation at this summer's tournament in doubt.

But the Paris Saint-Germain star has made good progress and he has revealed that he even has a date set for a return to the training pitch.

"I hope to get there in great shape," he said in a news conference in Sao Paulo where he was been receiving treatment. "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 as 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."

Brazil head to Russia as joint favourites alongside champions Germany and face Switzerland in their opening game of Group E on 17 June.

By then Neymar will have been out of action for nearly five months and the 26-year-old admits to having concerns after a first major surgery of his career.

"Of course, doubts exist and I feel them too sometimes," he said. "But that's normal for a guy who has had the first surgery of his career. It's very difficult for me not playing and not training.

"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."