Brazil have confirmed that Bayern Munich forward Douglas Costa has been withdrawn from the Selecao’s Copa America squad due to injury.
According to a statement on the Brazilian Football Federation’s website, scans on the player’s left thigh have revealed a muscle injury which will prevent him from featuring in the continental showpiece in the United States this summer.
While Brazil have—to date—only named a provisional squad list of 40 names, they still have to cut down their list to 23 before submitting it ahead of the tournament.
However, the forward’s absence represents a major loss, following the 25-year-old’s superb season in the Bundesliga.
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Douglas scored four goals and contributed nine assists in 27 league outings for the Bavarian giants, while he also managed two goals and three assists in 11 Uefa Champions League showings.
The loss of his versatility—Douglas can play anywhere across the midfield and on either side of a front three in a 4-3-3 formation—represents a considerable blow for the South American giants.