Everton grant Richarlison Olympics wish, could miss start of Premier League season
Everton have granted Richarlison permission to play in the Olympics this summer, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Brazilian is currently on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America, with his side set to play their semi-final later this week.
However, the 23-year-old has had his heart set on prolonging his stay away from Merseyside with the Tokyo Olympics on the horizon.
After Brazil beat Chile in the early hours of Saturday last week, he told ESPN Brazil (transcribed by UOL) that he was determined to represent Brazil in Japan. He said: “I had a fight there, right? I spent the whole day [Friday] arguing with Everton, with the director. I also called the new coach.”
However, it looks like there has been an acrimonious settlement, after Liverpool Echo reporter Phil Kirkbride reported on Monday [05/07/21] that Richarlison had been granted permission to play by Everton.
It puts him at risk of missing the beginning of Rafa Benitez’s reign as Blues boss, though, as the Olympic final is only a week before the Merseyside outfit start their Premier League campaign, at home to Southampton on August 14.
Depleted
There is surely no chance that Richarlison would be rushed back into action to play in our first game of the season.
After such a strenuous summer, involving two prestigious competitions, it would be preposterous to force him to rush back to Merseyside.
He will need a break in order to recharge his batters ahead of a big season under Benitez.
His Olympic campaign may not last until August 7 but, being the considerable international force that Brazil are, with their vast array of talents, it’s fair to assume they will be there or thereabouts come the conclusion of the tournament.
It sounds like the Blues hierarchy were keen to avoid losing Richarlison at the start of the season, but probably admitted defeat in order to keep the forward happy, which could be a wise move long-term.
But, we face a tough task to replace Richarlison at the star of the season as we are short on quality wide options, and reinforcements are urgently required.
In other Everton news, Lee Dixon aims thinly-veiled swipe at Blues supporters amid online fan fury over 27-year-old.
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