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In an unsurprising move, Brazil coach Tite has decided not to include Douglas Costa in his squad for September World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia.
The 25-year-old winger was ruled out of the Copa America Centenario with a thigh injury, and the same injury prevented him from participating in the Olympics. Tite instead included new Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol from Santos, a player attracting a lot of attention from European clubs.
Douglas is one of six players to play in all six of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers. He scored in Brazil’s 3-0 win against Peru and their 2-2 draw with Uruguay. His two goals and two assists is the second-most goal contributions to Chelsea’s Willian, who has two goals and three assists.
Douglas resumed running activities earlier in August, but has yet to get back into full team training. He is expected to miss the beginning of the Bundesliga season along with fellow wingers Kingsley Coman and Arjen Robben.