Neymar to follow special pre-World Cup training program

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Neymar will follow a tailored training schedule in a bid to be in peak condition for this summer's World Cup in Russia, according to Brazil's national team doctor.

Rodrigo Lasmar, who performed surgery to repair a cracked fifth metatarsal in Neymar's right foot in March, said the Paris Saint-Germain forward would be given a customized fitness program ahead of the June 14-July 15 tournament.

"Neymar is recovering the best way possible," Lasmar told Brazil's Globo Esporte. "He is working hard and the expectation is that he will arrive well-prepared so he can have an excellent World Cup."

Neymar last week said that he hoped to resume full training after his final medical exam on May 17. That would all but rule him out for the rest of the season for Paris Saint-Germain, who will play their last match against Caen on May 19.

But he is expected to join Brazil's national squad in Rio de Janeiro two days later to begin preparing for the World Cup.

"We need to improve his physical fitness because it has probably decreased," Lasmar said. "Players recovering from injury deserve individual evaluation to design the best strategy for them."

Neymar has scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists for Paris Saint-Germain since his world record 222 million-euro move from Barcelona last August.

Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.