Neymar: Foot Injury Won’t Affect Me At 2014 World Cup

Neymar World Cup Neymar could miss the rest of Barcelona’s season, but Brazil can still count on him when the 2014 FIFA World Cup rolls around.

Neymar suffered a deep bruise on his left foot during Barcelona’s loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final (Spanish Cup) last week. Barcelona expects the injury to sideline Neymar for four weeks.

While there is a chance Neymar could return for Barcelona’s final game of the season — a potential La Liga (Spanish first division) title-decider against Atletico Madrid on May 17 at the Nou Camp — he says the injury won’t affect his World Cup preparations.

“I always had a bit of fear that the injury would force me to stay out … of the World Cup,” Neymar told Brazilian outlet Globo TV on Saturday, according to FIFA.com. “But within the next three weeks I’ll be back and I hope to play Barcelona’s last game.”

Neymar reportedly will exercise and lift weights while his foot heals. If healthy, he’ll likely play against Atletico Madrid before joining Brazil’s national team for its pre-World Cup training camp.

Barring further misfortune or a dramatic change in plans, Neymar will lead Brazil’s attack at this summer’s World Cup. Many expect the 22-year-old to shine, as Brazil looks to win a world championship on home soil.

Brazil will kick off the World Cup on June 12 when it faces Croatia in Sao Paolo.