'Neymar was not an injury risk' - Tite defends decision to play PSG star after latest setback

Brazil coach Tite is adamant Neymar had shown no sign of injury before Sunday's 1-1 friendly draw with Nigeria, in which the forward was withdrawn after 12 minutes due to leg discomfort.

Neymar was named in Brazil's starting XI for the friendly in Singapore but appeared to reach for the back of his left leg as he made an early exit.

He was then seen in conversation with a member of Brazil's staff on the bench, though Neymar did not look to be in significant pain.

Paris Saint-Germain must now hope that their star forward, recently reconciled with the team following a lengthy summer stand-off over his possible Barcelona return, does not face another spell on the sidelines.

The Ligue 1 champions face two Champions League matches against Club Brugge over the next month as well as domestic commitments.

Given the injury problems the forward has sustained in the last two years, Tite was asked after the game if he had taken a risk by playing him.

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— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) October 13, 2019

Tite was unequivocal in his response, insisting the Paris Saint-Germain star would not have played had there been any doubt over his fitness.

"No, not at all," Tite replied when asked if Neymar was at risk before the game.

"It would be irresponsible and incompetent of me [to play him if he was a doubt]. I would have to receive the complaints of the coach and the president of PSG if that happened."

With the international break now over for Brazil, Neymar will return to PSG, who are next in action against Nice on Friday.

Injury also ruled the forward out of PSG's Champions League elimination against Manchester United at the start of 2019, as well as the entirety of Brazil's Copa America win.