Neymar puts Brazil in a panic as he goes down holding his ankle in training session

Barcelona star turns his ankle during Brazil training

Panic ensues as the striker receives treatment on the pitch

The Brazilian eventually picked himself up and hobbled away

Brazil start their World Cup campaign on Thursday against Croatia



The whole of Brazil had their hearts in their mouths as star forward Neymar went down with an ankle injury during training, sparking doubts about his World Cup fitness.



The Barcelona star rolled his ankle during the selecao's training session outside Rio de Janeiro forcing him to receive treatment on the pitch.

However, after spending some time on the floor, the World Cup's poster-boy was able to pick himself up and walk gingerly away.

VIDEO: Scroll down to watch the moment Neymar's ankle caused panic in Brazil

Anguish: Neymar looks in real pain as he goes down clutching at his right ankle

Sigh of relief: Neymar looks set to be fit to face Croatia in the World Cup's opening game on Thursday



Nervy moment: Neymar (far left) rolls his right ankle while running in Brazil's evening training session

Neymar was soon able to resume training and looks set to be fit to take his place in the starting line-up on against Croatia on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Brazil have been paying extra attention to their defence ahead of the opening game.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari spent part of the team's training session on Monday making adjustments to his defensive setup, stopping practice several times to reposition players until he was satisfied.

Although Brazil didn't concede a goal in their two warm-up matches, Scolari said he was not completely satisfied with how his squad played defensively.



Preparations: Neymar had been playing a full part in the training session up until the injury

Star man: Brazil's hopes at their home World Cup rest squarely on the shoulders of the Barcelona forward

One of the coach's main goals in the last week of preparations was to make sure the team ready defensively in time for the opener.

'We know that if we don't concede goals, our chances to win matches increase, because we know the kind of talent we have in attack,'; said Scolari. 'It's important we are well prepared on defense so we are not caught by surprise.'

Right back Daniel Alves acknowledged that Brazil's defence isn't perfect, but said the team is working to improve before the opener.

When told that Croatia striker Ivica Olic said he saw spaces in Brazil's defense during the warm-up matches, Alves acknowledged that adjustments still have to be made.

Concern: Neymar receives medical attention during a training session at the squad's complex

Pressure: Brazil are just two days away from starting the World Cup in their home nation Careful: Paulinho (right) and Fernandinho take part during a training session

'Obviously, if we didn't make mistakes, we would be a perfect team, and that's not possible,' the Barcelona defender said. 'If Olic saw spaces, then we have to make sure we fix that so he can't find them anymore.'

The last time Brazil conceded a goal was in a 2-1 win over Chile in a friendly last November. Brazil beat Panama 4-0 and Serbia 1-0 last week in the last two matches before for the opening match in Sao Paulo.

'Physically we are ready, but tactically we still have to adjust a few things,' Scolari said.



The coach's other main focus during Monday's training was on set pieces - another area where he said Brazil still needs to improve.