As the World Cup draws nearer, Brazil are acclimatising to conditions with a friendly against hosts Russia in Moscow this Friday. The 5-time Champions are still unsure over the fitness of star man Neymar who is out for the rest of the season after fracturing his toe while playing for PSG last month. With an estimated recovery time of two and a half months, Mike Fox tells us why, despite being away from the South American heat, the Selecao are sweating in the Russian capital. 

Last summer it was the 200 million Euro move which put Neymar in the spotlight, nine months on, all the talk is about where he might not be come the start of the world cup as Brazil step up preparations in Russia. But according to team General coordinator and former Arsenal midfielder Edu, the 26-year-old is on the road to recovering from the double whammy of a fractured metatarsal and sprained ankle.

EDU BRAZIL GENERAL COORDINATOR "It's in the doctor's hands in Paris and our doctor who is also following his recovery. The team doctor has been at Neymar's house recently, took his stitches off and said that he is very happy with the evolution of the recovery. Neymar has already started doing some exercises. Coach Tite and I have talked to him and we think he is in a good mood. But I cannot give any date for a return."

And without time to get match-fit, there are fears it won't be the same Neymar which has lit up France this season with 19 goals in 20 matches for the Ligue Un Champions elect. Still, the squads visit is a chance to get a feel for what to expect come June.

EDU BRAZIL GENERAL COORDINATOR "We are going to experience the World Cup atmosphere, we are going to play in a World Cup stadium and we are going to play against a team with a World Cup system of playing. Initially when we thought about World Cup friendlies we had Russia as a priority because we believe in being here our team could be better prepared.

Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17th at the Rostov Arena as Edu and the rest of the back room staff hope to coordinate a sixth title, with or without their star man. Mike Fox CGTN."