Neymar to return in time for World Cup

Brazilian needs around a month to recover from foot operation as he targets full fitness

RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar has told Brazilian television he still needs around a month to recover from a foot operation, as the Paris Saint-Germain superstar targets a return to full fitness in time for the World Cup.

"I need about a month, but it is healing well. Everything is happening normally," Neymar, who has not played since breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot on February 25, told TV Globo.

Neymar's comments were released as a short extract from a pre-recorded interview that will be broadcast on Saturday, and which may give a clearer picture of the former Barcelona forward's state of fitness.

However, if he does come back in a month or so, it would leave sufficient time for the 26 year-old to be ready for Brazil's opening game in Group E of the World Cup, against Switzerland in Rostov on June 17.

The world's most expensive player suffered the injury in a Ligue 1 game against Marseille, before returning to his home country for surgery and rehabilitation.

In his absence, PSG were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the last 16 in March.

PSG coach Unai Emery said on Friday that Neymar was "close" to returning to the club. "When he gets here, he will want to play. Perhaps he'll have time to play a few matches before the end of the season," Emery said.