BARCELONA'S MEDICAL STAFF SAYS NEYMAR IS RECOVERING VERY WELL

Brazil forward Neymar is recovering "very well" from the fractured vertebra injury which ended his 2014 Fifa World Cup campaign.

Medical staff from his club side Barcelona visited the 22-year-old at his home in Brazil to check on the problem and the player's recovery.

"The injury is progressing very well," said a statement from the Spanish club.

"From 5 August the player will continue his treatment and the final stage of his recovery in Barcelona."

Neymar suffered the injury after Juan Zuniga's challenge in a 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia.

He missed his country's semi-final against Germany and he was sorely missed as the Selecao were thumped 7-1.