Neymar to make first competitive start since February in Brazil´s World Cup opener

Neymar will make his first competitive start since February after being named in Brazil’s starting XI for their World Cup Group E opener against Switzerland.

The 26-year-old sustained a fractured metatarsal while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, putting his World Cup participation in some doubt.

However, the world’s most expensive player made a scoring return to action in friendly wins over Croatia and Austria prior to Brazil’s arrival in Russia, and lines up alongside Chelsea’s Willian and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus in a menacing front three.

Philippe Coutinho is joined in midfield by Barcelona team-mate Paulinho and Real Madrid’s Casemiro, while there is no place in the squad for Manchester United-bound Fred, who is recovering from an ankle injury.

Switzerland, meanwhile, will be looking to Xherdan Shaqiri for inspiration – the Stoke City man was the last player to score a World Cup hat-trick before Cristiano Ronaldo’s treble against Spain on Friday.

AÍ, ROSTOV! #BRA NA ÁREA! #BRASUI | #Copa2018 pic.twitter.com/dQrWd1v1MI

— Copa do Mundo FIFA (@fifaworldcup_pt) June 17, 2018