Lazio defender Luiz Felipe has withdrawn from Brazil’s Olympic squad in order to be fully ready for next season.
As reported by Italian radio broadcaster Radiosei (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 24-year-old Brazilian defender will not be a part of Brazil’s Under-23 squad for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, withdrawing so he can focus on reaching full fitness.
Luiz Felipe wants to fully recover from the ankle surgery that he underwent in January; The player missed almost four months of action this year before briefly returning for the final games of the campaign.
He does not want to take any risks so he will use the remaining weeks of June to complete his physical rehabilitation before joining new coach Maurizio Sarri’s pre-season training camp next month.
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Luiz Felipe is therefore prepared to give up his dream of wearing the Brazil shirt in the Olympics in order to be totally prepared for Lazio next season.
His contract expires with the Biancocelesti at the end of next season but he is likely to sign a contract renewal over the next few months.