Brazil’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic games have been hit by the withdrawal of Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa though injury. Costa missed Copa América due to a thigh injury and therefore made himself available for Olympic selection as one of Brazil’s 3 permitted players over the age of 23.
However, his thigh injury has been slow to respond to treatment and Bayern have reversed their decision to release him. Since the Olympics is not a FIFA sanctioned tournament, clubs have no obligation to release players.
In a statement, the German club said, “FC Bayern has informed the Brazilian association that Costa cannot be released for the tournament, “I greatly regret this,” FC Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a club statement. “We all wanted Douglas to contest the Olympic Games in his home country, but the player’s health and fitness takes priority.”
Rogerio Michale’s preparations could be further hit, with Shakhtar Donetsk also set to reverse their decision to release midfielder Fred, who has recently returned from a 6 month doping ban. With Costa’s withdrawal, Brazil will be allowed to call up a player over the age of 23, with speculation suggesting Renato Augusto may be invited.