Ronaldinho has tipped Neymar Jr to come back strongly from his broken foot and expects the Paris Saint-Germain superstar to play a central role in Brazil's FIFA World Cup challenge.
Neymar has been sidelined since suffering a fracture in his fifth metatarsal during PSG's 3-0 Classique win over Olympique de Marseille on 25 February.
The 26-year-old, who has enjoyed a bumper first Ligue 1 Conforama season with 19 goals and 13 assists, underwent an operation in the hope of speeding up his recovery to ensure he would be fit to play for PSG before the end of the season and star for his country in Russia this summer.
Ronaldinho, who played for PSG between 2001 and 2003, is confident his compatriot will be ready.
"I hope so, everyone's expecting him. I think he'll do it, I think he'll be in good shape," explained the 38-year-old. "I think he'll do his job well and help Brazil win the World Cup, that's what I hope, that's what all Brazil hopes."