Neymar STARTS for Brazil as he returns from injury for the World Cup last-16 clash against South Korea in a major boost for Tite's side... while Richarlison is back in the XI in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus
- Neymar has been named in the starting XI for Brazil's clash against South Korea
- The forward has missed the last two games after suffering injury against Serbia
- Richarlison meanwhile returns to the side with Gabriel Jesus injured and out
- Brazil will play Croatia in the quarter-final should they beat South Korea tonight
- Click here to follow Sportsmail's live blog for Brazil vs South Korea
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Neymar has been named in the starting lineup for Brazil's last-16 clash against South Korea tonight in a major boost for the World Cup's most successful nation.
The 30-year-old missed Brazil's final two Group G clashes after suffering an ankle injury in their opener against Serbia, with initial fears the Brazil talisman could miss the rest of the tournament.
Brazil coach Tite on Sunday confirmed Neymar was back in training and available for selection, however, with the 61-year-old opting to start him from the off today.
![Neymar has returned to the starting XI for Brazil's last-16 clash against South Korea today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/14/65255985-11503797-image-a-15_1670251573661.jpg)
Neymar has returned to the starting XI for Brazil's last-16 clash against South Korea today
![The Brazil talisman has been out since injuring his ankle in their opening clash against Serbia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/14/65257535-11503797-The_Brazil_captain_injured_his_ankle_in_Brazil_s_opening_Group_G-a-17_1670252021785.jpg)
The Brazil talisman has been out since injuring his ankle in their opening clash against Serbia
Five-time winners Brazil are looking to win their first World Cup in 20 years, and having Neymar back in action is a major boost for their chances ahead of the test against South Korea.
His return softens the blow after losing Gabriel Jesus - admittedly their second-choice striker - to injury in their final group game against Cameroon, with both the Arsenal man and Sevilla loanee Alex Telles out for the remainder of the tournament.
Neymar rejoins an attacking quartet alongside a returning Richarlison, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, all of whom dropped to the bench last time out.
It means Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal and Antony of Manchester United return to the bench, with the likes of Alisson Becker, Thiago Silva and Casemiro back in the team.
Confirmed Brazil XI: Alisson, Militao, Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Richarlison
![Brazil are without Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a knee injury against Cameroon](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/14/65257869-11503797-image-a-18_1670252250402.jpg)
Brazil are without Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a knee injury against Cameroon
Tite last week insisted that Neymar would only feature - either from the start or off the bench - if he was 100 per cent fit.
'If (Neymar) plays, it's because he is in full health and ready to start, to play from the beginning and the entire game with no limitations,' he said. 'My preference is always to play my best players from the start.'
In returning from injury, Neymar will be sporting a new look after flying out his Parisian hairdresser to Doha ahead of the clash.
The forward has died his hair blond for the fixture, having previously scored twice with a similar hairstyle against tonight's opposition.
![Neymar flew his hairdresser to Doha and asked him to dye his hair blond ahead of the game](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/12/65253093-11503439-image-a-31_1670243826475.jpg)
Neymar flew his hairdresser to Doha and asked him to dye his hair blond ahead of the game
Neymar will hope he can guide his side to victory over South Korea tonight, in turn joining Croatia in the quarter-finals after they beat Japan on penalties earlier today.
Should they do so, Brazil will play Croatia at the Education City Stadium on December 9, with kick-off at 3pm GMT.
Meanwhile, South Korea will hope captain and talisman Son Heung-min can get off the mark in the tournament tonight.
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