Neymar could recover for Real

There is ‘still hope’ that Neymar will be fit in time for Paris Saint-Germain’s crunch Champions League tie with Real Madrid next week, according to reports in France.

The Brazilian is a doubt for the mouthwatering last-16 encounter after breaking a bone in his foot and spraining his ankle on Sunday.

During PSG’s victory over rivals Marseille, the world’s most expensive player left the field in tears and on a stretcher following an aerial challenge with Bouna Sarr.

L’Equipe, however, claimed on Tuesday that the former Barcelona star could feature for the French giants as they bid to overturn their 3-1 deficit from the first leg.

A source told the French newspaper: ‘It’s less serious than we feared. But we must still be patient to know a little more.’

Neymar underwent medical tests in the wake of their 3-0 victory in Le Classique and the Ligue 1 giants later confirmed that the Brazilian striker has damaged his right ankle and broken the fifth metatarsal in his foot.

Eight days is the minimum time to recover from a sprained ankle when it is not too serious and according to the French outlet, PSG remain quietly confident regarding his race to be fit.

However, the Spanish media have suggested Neymar faces at least a month out which would mean missing next Tuesday’s must-win match.

Marca claim the Brazil international’s sprained ankle and fifth metatarsal break make it highly unlikely he will return before the end of March.