Brazil Hope Neymar Will Return to Action in Friendly vs. Croatia on June 3

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar could return from his injury layoff in Brazil's friendly against Croatia on June 3. 

The Selecao star has been out of action since February this year after having surgery on a foot fracture. However, according to the Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, Neymar is ready to step up his preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

"Next week, he'll be able to start training with the group. It's progressive work and next week our idea is that he starts to work with the ball and the goal is that he can be fully fit to work with [coach] Tite in his final phase, so that he can take part in the first friendly," he told a press conference, per Dejan Kalinic of Goal.

Meanwhile, Brazil manager Tite made it clear he believes Neymar will be at his best when the tournament kicks off in Russia.

"A high-level athlete trains at the highest possible intensity and level," he said, per Kalinic. "The only difference he has to manage is the psychological pressure because he doesn't have the press, public now, all this stuff."

Andre Penner/Associated Press

Brazil will face Croatia at Anfield in Liverpool as part of their final preparations for the tournament. They will also take on Austria before they meet Switzerland in their tournament opener on June 17.

As we can see courtesy of Football on BT Sport, Neymar has been included as part of a formidable 23-man squad:

While there are a number of world-class footballers available to Tite, if the Selecao are going to win this competition for the sixth time in their history Neymar will likely be crucial to their chances.

The forward moved to PSG last summer for a world-record amount and was enjoying an excellent season before injury struck. In 30 appearances in all competitions he scored 28 goals and registered 16 assists.

Andre Penner/Associated Press

When Neymar pulls on the colours of his country he tends to go up another gear. As noted by Tifo Football, despite having a long way to go yet in his Brazil career, the forward already has some incredible stats:

He may have redemption on his mind, too, as injury cost him the chance of playing in the competition's semi-final four years ago in front of a home crowd. Brazil capitulated in the subsequent fixture, losing 7-1 to eventual winners Germany.

Brazil are one of the favourites for the tournament in Russia along with the likes of Germany, Spain and France. Aside from Switzerland, they will meet Serbia and Costa Rica in their Group E matches.