Neymar back training on pitch but unlikely to be fit for Brazil's clash with Haiti

The session was closed to the media, but the Brazilian FA (CBF) said the 34-year-old forward completed physical work on the field and had some contact with the ball.

Neymar has not yet joined tactical drills with the rest of the squad and it remains unclear when he will be fit enough to resume full training or become available in Brazil's World Cup campaign, which started on the wrong foot after a draw against Morocco and continues against Haiti.

That outing represented the first step in his transition from the medical department back to the pitch after he had previously trained indoors at the team's training centre in New Jersey with physiotherapists and fitness coaches.

Neymar is still working to regain fitness and match sharpness after injuring his right calf during Brazilian club Santos' 3-0 defeat by Coritiba last month.

The calf problem is the latest in a series of injuries and physical setbacks for Brazil's number 10, who has not played a minute for the national team in nearly three years.

While his appearance on the field raised hopes among Brazilian supporters, sources close to the national team said the coaching staff were being careful and had no intention of rushing his recovery.