TERESOPOLIS, Brazil -- Hulk has played down fears that he will miss Brazil's game against Mexico after he appeared to depart his side's training session with a muscle injury.
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The 27-year-old lasted less than 15 minutes before leaving the field on Sunday, having felt pain in his left leg.
The Zenit St Petersburg player was walking without a limp, but then sat down on a bench and lowered his head in apparent dismay. A few moments later, he went to Brazil's dressing room accompanied by one of the team's doctors.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has yet to comment on the injury, which apparently happened after Hulk scored a goal during the training session, but the player himself is sure he will be fit for the El Tri clash on Tuesday.
"I had two shots and it felt uncomfortable," he is quoted as saying by O Globo. "I felt it twice in a shot when I lifted my leg. Then, I left practice as a precaution because we just have two days until the match.
"I will be fine and I want to be on the pitch. It will be OK to play, it's the World Cup and everyone wants to play. You want to face everything.
"But the one who will decide is [Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari]. If I take the field I will give my all. And if I don't play, it will have been a decision made with the best for the national team in mind."
Hulk added: "I felt it a few days ago, but in no way did it stop me from playing in the first match and God willing, it won't stop me from playing in the next one.
"It is a normal ache, something to watch, but I am in the hands of professionals. They will do anything to help keep me fit.
"I left with my head down because people always think the worst. But they [the doctors] explained it to me and now I am more calm."
Hulk was forced to allay fears that he picked up a thigh injury during Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia on Thursday, having been replaced by Bernard in the second half.