Douglas Costa will miss the Rio Olympics with Brazil

Douglas Costa will not have an opportunity to represent Brazil in Rio next month as a result of persisting issues with his left thigh. Costa, who missed the Copa America with a thigh injury, had been cleared by Bayern to play in the Olympics once he regained his fitness. The injury issues have persisted however, and the skillful Brazilian will remain in Munich to continue his rehabilitation as Bayern have refused to release Costa for the tournament.

"I greatly regret this, we all wanted Douglas to contest the Olympic Games in his home country, but the player's health and fitness takes priority." - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, press release

As the Olympics fall outside the FIFA mandatory release calendar, club permission is required for players to represent their national teams.

Although this news is certainly devastating for Costa, it could be a blessing in disguise for Bayern. Costa proved to be an exceptional signing with seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season for which he received an honorable mention in the Bavarian Football Works Bundesliga Team of the Year. Participating in the Olympics would have most likely resulted in a fatigued Costa missing the start of the new season with Bayern. By remaining in Munich, Costa can allow his injury to properly heal so that he can join the team in preseason and prepare to challenge for multiple trophies under new boss Carlo Ancelotti.