‍With the 2018 FIFA World Cup getting underway in less than two months, Brazilian footballer Neymar is running against the clock to return to the Brazilian side for the upcoming marquee event.

The star forward revealed in a media briefing on Tuesday that he won't return to the football field at least until the second half of May, when he is scheduled to have his final medical exam following foot surgery.

Addressing the media in Sao Paulo, Neymar, who suffered a broken bone in his right foot on February 25 in a Ligue 1 game against Marseille, said: "There isn't an exact date yet. I have the last exam, if I'm not mistaken, I'm not sure, on May 17."

"I’ll be cleared to play. Then I’ll see, it depends on how things develop, it depends on my next exams.... It has not been decided," he mentioned.

The timing is crucial for the world's most expensive footballer as all eyes are on his possible return for PSG with the freshly crowned French champion's season-ending game against Caen on May 19.

However, the talismanic forward’s prospects for playing for the five-time former World Cup champions at the upcoming edition of the quadrennial tournament in Russia, to be held from June 14 to July 15, appears to be better now. The Selecao will open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Switzerland in Rostov.

"I hope I won't watch the World Cup on TV," Neymar quipped. “I will have enough time to prepare.”

The 26-year-old is recuperating in his home country after undergoing surgery on March 3, performed by Brazil's national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

Meanwhile, Brazilian football legend Pele, who helped the canary yellow brigade win three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, has strongly backed Neymar to play a key role in his side’s quest for the coveted title this year. Speaking courtesy of Hublot, Pele told Omnisport, “The last World Cup in Brazil, he got the injury, and Brazil lost. I think this is a great, great opportunity for him to recover. I think he's a good player. Let's see if he can help Brazil [win] this World Cup.”

(With input from agencies)